Catalyst system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a catalyst system capable of catalysing the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, which system is obtainable by combining:
     a) a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB or a compound thereof,   b) a bidentate phosphine, arsine or stibine ligand, and   c) an acid,
 
wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and that said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand, a process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, a reaction medium, and use of the system.

The present invention relates to a novel catalyst system, a novel carbonylation reaction medium and a process for the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds using a novel catalyst system.

The carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds using carbon monoxide in the presence of an alcohol or water and a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII metal, eg. palladium, and a phosphine ligand eg. an alkyl phosphine cycloalkyl phosphine, aryl phosphine, pyridyl phosphine or bidentate phosphine, has been described in numerous European patents and patent applications, eg. EP-A-0055875, EP-A-04489472, EP-A-0106379, EP-A-0235864, EP-A-0274795, EP-A-0499329, EP-A-0386833, EP-A-0441447, EP-A-0489472, EP-A-0282142, EP-A-0227160, EP-A-0495547 and EP-A-0495548. In particular, EP-A-0227160, EP-A-0495547 and EP-A-0495548 disclose that bidentate phosphine ligands provide catalyst systems which enable higher reaction rates to be achieved.

WO 96/19434 discloses a bridging group in the form of an optionally substituted aryl moiety, linked to the said phosphorous atoms via available adjacent carbon atoms on the said aryl moiety. Such a ligand is more stable and leads to reaction rates which are significantly higher than those previously disclosed and produces little or no impurities for the carbonylation of ethylene. Each phosphorous atom in the said ligand is also linked to two tertiary carbon atoms.

However, conventional metal-catalysed reactions, such as those described in WO 96/19434 tend to suffer from the drawback that the catalyst tends to de-activate over the course of a period of continuous operation as the palladium compound is reduced to palladium metal, this contributing to the economic viability of the process. WO 01/10551 addressed this problem via the use of stabilising compounds such as polymeric dispersants in the reaction medium, thus improving in the recovery of metal which has been lost from the catalyst system.

Although catalyst systems have been developed which exhibit reasonable stability during the carbonylation process and permit relatively high reaction rates to be achieved, there still exists a need for improved catalyst systems. Suitably, the present invention aims to provide an improved catalyst for carbonylating ethylenically unsaturated compounds.

J.Mol.Cat.A 204-205 (2003) pgs 295-303 suggests that a relative increase in the ligand concentration, for example by the addition of more ligand, has a detrimental effect on productivity. Similar results are reported in J.Mol.Cat.A.Chem. 110 (1996) pgs 13-23 and J.Mol.Cat.A.Chem. 151 (2000) pgs 47-59.

Moreover, WO-A-01/72697 describes a process for the carbonylation of pentenenitrile but teaches that there are disadvantages associated at relatively high acid:palladium ratios. The authors state that the disadvantages occur because high acid concentration conditions are corrosive and more ligand degradation results from quaternisation with the acid and the olefinic compound.

WO-A-01/68583 discloses a process for the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds using phosphine-based bidentate ligands. However, this disclosure is directed towards the use of relatively low acid levels, leading to low acid:ligand values. Moreover, the ligand:metal ratios are low. WO-A-03/040159 similarly discloses low acid:ligand and ligand:metal ratios.

WO-A-98/45040 discloses catalyst systems comprising palladium compound and bidentate phosphorus ligands. However, acid:ligand ratios of less than 1:1 are taught.

Finally, WO-A-01/72697 discloses a process for the preparation of a 5-cyanovaleric acid by carbonylation of a pentenenitrile. The disclosure points out the disadvantages in using high acid concentrations and teaches towards the use of relatively low acid levels.

Hence, an aim of the present invention is to seek to establish a catalyst system wherein the levels of ligand and acid are relatively high, but wherein the disadvantages of the prior art noted hereinbefore are addressed and alleviated, at least to some extent, the aforesaid being one object of the present invention.

According to the present invention there is provided a catalyst system, a process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, a reaction medium, and use as set forth in the appended claims.

Preferred features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a catalyst system capable of catalysing the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, which system is obtainable by combining:

a) a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB or a compound thereof, b) a bidentate phosphine, arsine, or stibine ligand, preferably a bidentate phosphine ligand, and c) an acid, wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and that said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand.

Typically, component b) is a bidentate phosphine, arsine, or stibine.

Suitably, all of components a) to c) of the catalyst system can be added in situ to the reaction vessel wherein the carbonylation is to take place. Alternatively, the components a) to c) can be added sequentially in any order to form the catalyst system, or in some specified order, either directly into the vessel or outside the vessel and then added to the vessel. For instance, the acid component c) may first be added to the bidentate ligand component b), to form a protonated ligand, and then the protonated ligand can be added to the metal or compound thereof (component a)) to form the catalyst system. Alternatively, the ligand component b) and metal or compound thereof (component a)) can be mixed to form a chelated metal compound, and the acid (component c)) is then added. Alternatively, any two components can be reacted together to form an intermediate moiety which is then either added to the reaction vessel and the third component added, or is first reacted with the third component and then added to the reaction vessel.

As such, the present invention is directed to a catalyst system wherein the relative molar concentrations of both the bidentate ligand and the acid are at levels in excess of those previously envisaged, leading to surprising and unexpected advantages when using the catalyst system in the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, and the alleviation or at least reduction of at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art systems. In particular, the use of a catalyst system of the present invention leads at least to a more stable system, increased reaction rates, and improved turnover numbers in carbonylation reactions of ethylenically unsaturated compounds.

As stated above, the ligand is present in the catalyst system, or precursor thereto, in such quantity that the ratio of said ligand to the said metal (i.e. component b) to component a)) is at least a 2:1 molar ratio. Preferably, the ratio of said ligand to the said metal is greater than a 2:1 molar ratio, more preferably in the range 2:1 to 1000:1, even more preferably in the range 2.5:1 to 1000:1, yet more preferably in the range 3:1 to 1000:1, even more preferably in the range 5:1 to 750:1, more preferably in the range 7:1 to 1000:1, especially in the range 8:1 to 900:1, still more preferably in the range 10:1 to 500:1, yet still more preferably in the range 20:1 to 400:1, even more preferably in the range 50:1 to 250:1, most preferably in the range in excess of 50:1, for example 51:1 and upwards, more specifically 51:1 to 250:1 or even to 1000:1. Alternatively, the said ratio can be in the range 15:1 to 45:1, preferably 20:1 to 40:1, more preferably 25:1 to 35:1.

As stated above, the acid is present in the catalyst system, or precursor thereto, in such quantity that the ratio of said acid to the said ligand (i.e. component c) to component b)) is at least a 2:1 molar ratio. Preferably, the ratio of said acid to the said ligand is greater than a 2:1 molar ratio, more preferably in the range 2:1 to 100:1, even more preferably in the range 4:1 to 100:1, yet more preferably in the range 5:1 to 95:1, still more preferably in the range greater than 5:1 to 95:1, yet more preferably in the range greater than 5:1 to 75:1, more preferably in the range 10:1 to 50:1, even more preferably in the range 20:1 to 40:1, still more preferably in the range greater than 20:1 to 40:1 (e.g. 25:1 to 40:1, or 25:1 to less than 30:1), more preferably in excess of 30:1, suitably with any of the upper limits provided hereinbefore (e.g. 30:1 to 40:1, or 50:1, etc.), or more preferably in excess of 35:1, yet more preferably in excess of 37:1, suitably either with any of the upper limits provided hereinbefore. Each of the ranges in this paragraph can be used in conjunction with each of the ligand to metal ratio ranges disclosed hereinabove, i.e. ratios of component b) to component a).

By “acid”, we mean an acid or salt thereof, and references to acid should be construed accordingly.

The advantages in working within the ligand to metal, and acid to ligand ratios, set out above are manifest in that the stability of the catalyst system is improved, as evidenced by increases in the turnover number (TON) of the metal. By improving the stability of the catalyst system, the usage of metal in the carbonylation reaction scheme is kept to a minimum.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that by working within the specific ratio ranges noted herein, it is surprisingly found that the ligand component of the catalyst system is protected against inadvertent aerial oxidation (in instances where there is any ingress of air into the reaction system), and the overall stability of the catalyst system is improved, thus keeping the usage of the metal component of the catalyst system to a minimum. Moreover, the forward reaction rate of the reaction is surprisingly improved.

In effect, the level of acid should be such that for the particular bidentate ligand employed, the level of acid should be such that phosphine, arsine or stibine is fully protonated. Hence, to show the improved effects, the level of ligand should be above some minimum level, as given by the ligand:metal molar ratio, and the level of acid should be above some minimum level with respect to the level of ligand present to encourage protonation, as given by the acid:ligand molar ratio.

Preferably, the acid is present in the catalyst system, or precursor thereto, in such quantity that the molar ratio of said acid to said metal (i.e. component c) to component a)) is at least 4:1, more preferably from 4:1 to 100000:1, even more preferably 10:1 to 75000:1, yet more preferably 20:1 to 50000:1, yet still more preferably 25:1 to 50000:1, yet still more preferably 30:1 to 50000:1, yet even more preferably 40:1 to 40000:1, still more preferably 100:1 to 25000:1, more preferably 120:1 to 25000:1, more preferably 140:1 to 25000:1, yet still more preferably 200:1 to 25000:1, most preferably 550:1 to 20000:1, or greater than 2000:1 to 20000:1. Alternatively, the said ratio can be in the range 125:1 to 485:1, more preferably 150:1 to 450:1, even more preferably 175:1 to 425:1, yet even more preferably 200:1 to 400:1, most preferably 225:1 to 375:1. Each of these ranges in this paragraph can be used in conjunction with each of the ligand to metal ratio ranges disclosed hereinabove, i.e. ratios of component b) to component a), and/or each of the acid to ligand ratio ranges disclosed hereinabove, i.e. ratios of component c) to component b).

For the avoidance of any doubt, all of the aforementioned ratios and ratio ranges apply to all of the ligand embodiments set out in more detail hereinafter.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the bidentate phosphine ligand is of general formula (I)

wherein: Ar is a bridging group comprising an optionally substituted aryl moiety to which the phosphorus atoms are linked on available adjacent carbon atoms; A and B each independently represent lower alkylene; K, D, E and Z are substituents of the aryl moiety (Ar) and each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, C(S)R²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷, C(O)SR²⁷, or -J-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵)CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸) where J represents lower alkylene; or two adjacent groups selected from K, Z, D and E together with the carbon atoms of the aryl ring to which they are attached form a further phenyl ring, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, C(S)R²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷ or C(O)SR²⁷; R¹³ to R¹⁸ each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, or Het, preferably each independently represent lower alkyl, aryl, or Het; R¹⁹ to R²⁷ each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het; R¹ to R¹² each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, or Het, preferably each independently represent lower alkyl, aryl, or Het; Q¹, Q² and Q³ (when present) each independently represent phosphorous, arsenic or antimony and in the latter two cases references to phosphine or phosphorous above are amended accordingly, with preferably both Q¹ and Q² representing phosphorus, more preferably all of Q¹, Q² and Q³ (when present) representing phosphorus.

Suitably, the bidentate phosphines of the invention should preferably be capable of bidentate coordination to the Group VIB or Group VIIIB metal or compound thereof, more preferably to the preferred palladium.

Preferably, when K, D, E or Z represent -J-Q³ (CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸), the respective K, D, E or Z is on the aryl carbon adjacent the aryl carbon to which A or B is connected or, if not so adjacent, is adjacent a remaining K, D, E or Z group which itself represents -J-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸).

Specific but non-limiting examples of bidentate ligands within this embodiment include the following: 1,2-bis-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1,2-bis-(di-tert-pentylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1,2-bis-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)naphthalene. Nevertheless, the skilled person in the art would appreciate that other bidentate ligands can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

The term “Ar” or “aryl” when used herein, includes five-to-ten-membered, preferably, six-to-ten membered carbocyclic aromatic groups, such as phenyl and naphthyl, which groups are optionally substituted with, in addition to K, D, E or Z, one or more substituents selected from aryl, lower alkyl (which alkyl group may itself be optionally substituted or terminated as defined below), Het, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷, C(O)SR²⁷ or C(S)NR²⁵R²⁶ wherein R¹⁹ to R²⁷ each independently represent hydrogen, aryl or lower alkyl (which alkyl group may itself be optionally substituted or terminated as defined below). Furthermore, the aryl moiety may be a fused polycyclic group, e.g. naphthalene, biphenylene or indene.

By the term “a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB” we include metals such as Cr, Mo, W, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Os, Ir, Pt and Pd. Preferably, the metals are selected from Ni, Pt and Pd. More preferably, the metal is Pd. For the avoidance of doubt, references to Group VIB or VIIIB metals herein should be taken to include Groups 6, 8, 9 and 10 in the modern periodic table nomenclature.

The term “Het”, when used herein, includes four-to-twelve-membered, preferably four-to-ten-membered ring systems, which rings contain one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur and mixtures thereof, and which rings may contain one or more double bonds or be non-aromatic, partly aromatic or wholly aromatic in character. The ring systems may be monocyclic, bicyclic or fused. Each “Het” group identified herein is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from halo, cyano, nitro, oxo, lower alkyl (which alkyl group may itself be optionally substituted or terminated as defined below) OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷, C(O)SR²⁷ or C(S)NR²⁵R²⁶ wherein R¹⁹ to R²⁷ each independently represent hydrogen, aryl or lower alkyl (which alkyl group itself may be optionally substituted or terminated as defined below). The term “Het” thus includes groups such as optionally substituted azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolyl, indolyl, furanyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxatriazolyl, thiatriazolyl, pyridazinyl, morpholinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, piperidinyl, pyrazolyl and piperazinyl. Substitution at Het may be at a carbon atom of the Het ring or, where appropriate, at one or more of the heteroatoms.

“Het” groups may also be in the form of an N oxide.

The term “lower alkyl” when used herein, means C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl and includes methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and heptyl groups. Unless otherwise specified, alkyl groups may, when there is a sufficient number of carbon atoms, be linear or branched, be saturated or unsaturated, be cyclic, acyclic or part cyclic/acyclic, and/or be substituted or terminated by one or more substituents selected from halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷, C(O)SR²⁷, C(S)NR²⁵R²⁶, aryl or Het, wherein R¹⁹ to R²⁷ each independently represent hydrogen, aryl or lower alkyl, and/or be interrupted by one or more oxygen or sulphur atoms, or by silano or dialkylsilcon groups.

Lower alkyl groups or alkyl groups which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R²³, R²⁴, R²⁵, R²⁶, R²⁷, K, D, E and Z may represent and with which aryl and Het may be substituted, may, when there is a sufficient number of carbon atoms, be linear or branched, be saturated or unsaturated, be cyclic, acyclic or part cyclic/acyclic, and/or be interrupted by one or more of oxygen or sulphur atoms, or by silano or dialkylsilicon groups, and/or be substituted by one or more substituents selected from halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷, C(O)SR²⁷, C(S)NR²⁵R²⁶, aryl or Het wherein R¹⁹ to R²⁷ each independently represent hydrogen, aryl or lower alkyl.

Similarly, the term “lower alkylene” which A, B and J (when present) represent in a compound of formula I, when used herein, includes C₁ to C₁₀ groups which are bonded to other moieties at least at two places on the group and is otherwise defined in the same way as “lower alkyl”.

Halo groups with which the above-mentioned groups may be substituted or terminated include fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

Where a compound of a formula herein contains an alkenyl group, cis (E) and trans (Z) isomerism may also occur. The present invention includes the individual stereoisomers of the compounds of any of the formulas defined herein and, where appropriate, the individual tautomeric forms thereof, together with mixtures thereof. Separation of diastereoisomers or cis and trans isomers may be achieved by conventional techniques, e.g. by fractional crystallisation, chromatography or H.P.L.C. of a stereoisomeric mixture of a compound one of the formulas or a suitable salt or derivative thereof. An individual enantiomer of a compound of one of the formulas may also be prepared from a corresponding optically pure intermediate or by resolution, such as by H.P.L.C. of the corresponding racemate using a suitable chiral support or by fractional crystallisation of the diastereoisomeric salts formed by reaction of the corresponding racemate with a suitable optically active acid or base, as appropriate.

All stereoisomers are included within the scope of the process of the invention.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds of formula I may function as ligands that coordinate with the Group VIB or Group VIIIB metal or compound thereof in the formation of the catalyst system of the invention. Typically, the Group VIB or Group VIIIB metal or compound thereof coordinates to the one or more phosphorous, arsenic and/or antimony atoms of the compound of formula I.

Preferably, R¹ to R¹⁸ each independently represent lower alkyl or aryl. More preferably, R¹ to R¹⁸ each independently represent C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl phenyl (wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted as defined herein) or phenyl (wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted as defined herein). Even more preferably, R¹ to R¹⁸ each independently represent C₁ to C₆ alkyl, which is optionally substituted as defined herein. Most preferably, R¹ to R¹⁸ each represent non-substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and cyclohexyl.

Alternatively, or additionally, each of the groups R¹ to R³, R⁴ to R⁶, R⁷ to R⁹, R¹⁰ to R¹², R¹³ to R¹⁵ or R¹⁶ to R¹⁸ together independently may form cyclic structures such as 1-norbornyl or 1-norbornadienyl. Further examples of composite groups include cyclic structures formed between R¹-R¹⁸. Alternatively, one or more of the groups may represent a solid phase to which the ligand is attached.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention R¹, R⁴, R⁷, R¹⁰, R¹³ and R¹⁶ each represent the same lower alkyl, aryl or Het moiety as defined herein, R², R⁵, R⁸, R¹¹, R¹⁴ and R¹⁷ each represent the same lower alkyl, aryl or Het moiety as defined herein, and R³, R⁶, R⁹, R¹², R¹⁵ and R¹⁸ each represent the same lower alkyl, aryl or Het moiety as defined herein. More preferably R¹, R⁴, R⁷, R¹⁰, R¹³ and R¹⁶ each represent the same C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl or cyclohexyl; R², R⁵, R⁸, R¹¹, R¹⁴ and R¹⁷ each independently represent the same C₁-C₆ alkyl as defined above; and R³, R⁶, R⁹, R¹², R¹⁵ and R¹⁸ each independently represent the same C₁-C₆ alkyl as defined above. For example: R¹, R⁴, R⁷, R¹⁰, R¹³ and R¹⁶ each represent methyl; R², R⁵, R⁸, R¹¹, R¹⁴ and R¹⁷ each represent ethyl; and, R³, R⁶, R⁹, R¹², R¹⁵ and R¹⁸ each represent n-butyl or n-pentyl.

In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention each R¹ to R¹⁸ group represents the same lower alkyl, aryl, or Het moiety as defined herein. Preferably, each R¹ to R¹⁸ represents the same C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, particularly non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and cyclohexyl. Most preferably, each R₁ to R₁₈ represents methyl.

In the compound of formula I, preferably each Q¹, Q² and Q³ (when present) are the same. Most preferably, each Q¹, Q² and Q³ (when present) represents phosphorous.

Preferably, in the compound of formula I, A, B and J (when present) each independently represent C₁ to C₆ alkylene which is optionally substituted as defined herein, for example with lower alkyl groups. Preferably, the lower alkylene groups which A, B and J (when present) represent are non-substituted. A particular preferred lower alkylene which A, B and J may independently represent is —CH₂— or —C₂H₄—. Most preferably, each of A, B and J (when present) represent the same lower alkylene as defined herein, particularly —CH₂—.

Preferably, in the compound of formula I when K, D, E or Z does not represent -J-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))CR¹⁵ (R¹⁷)(R¹⁸), K, D, E or Z represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl or lower alkylphenyl. More preferably, K, D, E or Z represent hydrogen, phenyl, C₁-C₆ alkylphenyl or C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl. Most preferably, K, D, E or Z represents hydrogen.

Preferably, in the compound of formula I when K, D, E and Z together with the carbon atoms of the aryl ring to which they are attached do not form a phenyl ring, K, D, E and Z each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl or lower alkylphenyl. More preferably, K, D, E and Z each independently represent hydrogen, phenyl, C₁-C₆ alkylphenyl or C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl. Even more preferably, K, D, E and Z represent the same substituent. Most preferably, they represent hydrogen.

Preferably, in the compound of formula I when K, D, E or Z does not represent -J-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸) and K, D, E and Z together with the carbon atoms of the aryl ring to which they are attached do not form a phenyl ring, each of K, D, E and Z represent the same group selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, or Het as defined herein; particularly hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl (more particularly unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl), especially hydrogen.

Preferably, in the compound of formula I when two of K, D, E and Z together with the carbon atoms of the aryl ring to which they are attached form a phenyl ring, then the phenyl ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from aryl, lower alkyl (which alkyl group may itself be optionally substituted or terminated as defined below), Het, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷, C(O)SR²⁷ or C(S)NR²⁵R²⁶ wherein R¹⁹ to R²⁷ each independently represent hydrogen or lower alkyl (which alkyl group may itself be optionally substituted or terminated as defined herein). More preferably, the phenyl ring is not substituted by any substituents i.e. it bears hydrogen atoms only.

Preferred compounds of formula I include those wherein:

A and B each independently represent unsubstituted C₁ to C₆ alkylene; K, D, Z and E each independently represent hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, phenyl, C₁-C₆ alkylphenyl or -J-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸) where J represents unsubstituted C₁ to C₆ alkylene; or two of K, D, Z and E together with the carbon atoms of the aryl ring to which they are attached form a phenyl ring which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl, phenyl or lower alkylphenyl. R¹ to R¹⁸ each independently represent C₁ to C₆ alkyl, phenyl or C₁ to C₆ alkylphenyl.

Further preferred compounds of formula I include those wherein:

A and B both represent —CH₂— or C₂H₄, particularly CH₂; K, D, Z and E each independently represent hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl phenyl or C₁-C₆ alkyl or -J-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸) where J is the same as A; or two of K, D, E and Z together with the carbon atoms of the aryl ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl ring; R¹ to R¹⁸ each independently represent C₁ to C₆ alkyl;

Still further preferred compounds of formula I include those wherein:

R¹ to R¹⁸ are the same and each represents C₁ to C₆ alkyl, particularly methyl.

Still further preferred compounds of formula I include those wherein:

K, D, Z and E are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or C₁ to C₆ alkyl, particularly where each of K, D, Z and E represent the same group, especially where each of K, D, Z and E represent hydrogen; or

K represents —CH₂-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸) and D, Z and E are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or C₁ to C₆ alkyl, particularly where both D and E represent the same group, especially where D, Z and E represent hydrogen.

Especially preferred specific compounds of formula I include those wherein:

each R¹ to R¹² is the same and represents methyl; A and B are the same and represent —CH₂—; K, D, Z and E are the same and represent hydrogen.

In a still further embodiment, at least one (CR^(x)R^(y)R^(z)) group attached to Q¹ and/or Q², i.e. CR¹R²R³, CR⁴R⁵R⁶, CR⁷R⁸R⁹, or CR¹⁰R¹¹R¹², may instead be represented by the group (Ad) wherein:

Ad each independently represent an optionally substituted adamantyl or congressyl radical bonded to the phosphorous atom via any one of its tertiary carbon atoms, the said optional substitution being by one or more substituents selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵ R²⁶, C(S)R²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷ or C(O)SR²⁷; or if both (CR^(x)R^(y)R^(z)) groups attached to either or both Q¹ and/or Q², or Q³ (if present) together with either Q¹ or Q² (or Q³) as appropriate, form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or form a ring system of formula

wherein R⁴⁹, and R⁵⁴, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl or aryl; R⁵⁰ to R⁵³, when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het; and Y represents oxygen, sulfur or N—R⁵⁵; and R⁵⁵, when present, represents hydrogen, lower alkyl or aryl.

In this embodiment, formula I may be represented as:

(Ad)_(S)(CR⁷R⁸R⁹)_(T)Q²-A-(K,D)Ar(E,Z)—B-Q¹(Ad)_(u)(CR¹R²R³)_(v)

wherein Ar, A, B, K, D, E and Z, Q¹, Q², and Q³, and R¹ to R²⁷ are as defined hereinbefore except that K, D, E and Z may represent -J-Q³(Ad)_(w)(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵)_(x) instead of -J-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸) and Ad is as defined above, S & U=0, 1 or 2 provided that S+U≧1; T & V=0, 1 or 2 provided that T+V≦3;

W & X=0, 1 or 2.

In addition to the preferred embodiments for R¹ to R¹⁸, Q¹ to Q³, A, B, J (when present), K, D, E or Z, R¹⁹ to R²⁷, noted hereinbefore, all of which equally apply to the present embodiment where at least one (Ad) group is present, the following also applies.

Further preferred compounds of formula I include those wherein:

A and B both represent —CH₂— or —C₂H₄—, particularly —CH₂—; K, D, Z and E each independently represent hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl phenyl or C₁-C₆ alkyl or -J-Q³(Ad)_(w)(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵))_(x) where J is the same as A; or two of K, D, E and Z together with the carbon atoms of the aryl ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl ring; R¹ to R³, R⁷ to R⁹, and R¹³ to R¹⁵ (when present) each independently represent C₁ to C₆ alkyl, and the total number of (Ad) groups attached to Q¹ and Q² is ≧3, i.e. S+U≧3, and W and X=0, 1 or 2.

Still further preferred compounds of formula I include those wherein:

R¹ to R³, R⁷ to R⁹ and R¹³ to R¹⁵ (when present) are the same and each represents C₁ to C₆ alkyl, particularly methyl, and the total number of (Ad) groups attached to Q¹ and Q² is ≧3, i.e. S+U≧3.

Still further preferred compounds of formula I include those wherein:

K, D, Z and E are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or C₁ to C₆ alkyl, particularly where each of K, D, Z and E represent the same group, especially where each of K, D, Z and E represent hydrogen; or K represents —CH₂-Q³(Ad)_(w)(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵)_(x) and D, Z and E are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or C₁ to C₆ alkyl, particularly where both D and E represent the same group, especially where D, Z and E represent hydrogen, wherein W and X=0, 1 or 2.

Especially preferred specific compounds of formula I include those wherein:

each R¹ to R³, and R⁷ to R⁹ is the same and represents methyl or the total number of (Ad) groups attached to Q¹ and Q² is 2, i.e. S+U=2; A and B are the same and represent —CH₂—; K, D, Z and E are the same and represent hydrogen.

Especially preferred specific compounds of formula I include those wherein Ad is joined to Q₁ or Q² at the same position in each case. Preferably S≧1 and U≧1, more preferably, S=2 and U≧1 or vice versa, most preferably S & U=2, wherein S is the number of (Ad) groups attached to Q² and U is the number of (Ad) groups attached to Q¹.

Specific but non-limiting examples of bidentate ligands within this embodiment include the following: 1,2 bis(diadamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1,2 bis(di-3,5-dimethyladamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1,2 bis(di-5-tert-butyladamantaylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1,2 bis(l-adamantyl tert-butyl-phosphinomethyl)benzene, 1,2 bis(di-1-diamantanephosphinomethyl)benzene, 1-[(diadamantylphosphinomethyl)-2-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)]benzene, 1-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)-2-(dicongressylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)-2-(phospha-adamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1-(diadamantylphosphinomethyl)-2-(phospha-adamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1-(tert-butyladamantyl)-2-(di-adamantyl)-(phosphinomethyl)benzene and 1-[(P-(2,2,6,6,-tetra-methylphosphinan-4-one)phosphinomethyl)]-2-(phospha-adamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene.

Nevertheless, the skilled person in the art would appreciate that other bidentate ligands can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

In a yet further embodiment, the bidentate phosphine ligand is of general formula (III).

wherein:

A₁ and A₂, and A₃, A₄ and A₅ (when present), each independently represent lower alkylene; K¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)OR²², —N(R²³)R²⁴, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶, —C(S)(R²⁷)R²⁸, —SR²⁹, —C(O)SR³⁰, —CF₃ or -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶; D¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, —OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)OR²², —N(R²³)R²⁴, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶, —C(S)(R²⁷)R²⁸, —SR²⁹, —C(O)SR³⁰, —CF₃ or -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸; E¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)OR²², —N(R²³)R²⁴, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶, —C(S)(R²⁷)R²⁸, —SR²⁹, —C(O)SR³⁰, —CF₃ or -A₅-Q⁵(X⁹)X¹⁰; or both D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached form an optionally substituted phenyl ring: X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), congressyl or adamantyl, X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), congressyl or adamantyl, or X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIa

X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹), congressyl or adamantyl, X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²), congressyl or adamantyl, or X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb

X⁵ represents CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵), congressyl or adamantyl, X⁶ represents CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸), congressyl or adamantyl, or X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³ to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIc

X⁷ represents CR³¹(R³²)(R³³), congressyl or adamantyl, X⁸ represents CR³⁴(R³⁵)(R³⁶), congressyl or adamantyl, or X⁷ and X⁸ together with Q⁴ to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X⁷ and X⁸ together with Q⁴ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula Hid

X⁹ represents CR³⁷ (R³⁸)(R³⁹), congressyl or adamantyl, X¹⁰ represents CR⁴⁰(R⁴¹)(R⁴²), congressyl or adamantyl, or X⁹ and X¹⁰ together with Q⁵ to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1.{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X⁹ and X¹⁰ together with Q⁵ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula Hie

and in this yet further embodiment, Q¹ and Q², and Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ (when present), each independently represent phosphorus, arsenic or antimony; M represents a Group VIB or VIIIB metal or metal cation thereof; L₁ represents an optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or aryl group; L₂ represents one or more ligands each of which are independently selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, alkylaryl, halo, CO, P(R⁴³)(R⁴⁴)R⁴⁵ or N(R⁴⁶)(R⁴⁷)R⁴⁸; R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴², when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, halo or Het; R¹⁹ to R³⁰ and R⁴³ to R⁴⁸, when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het; R⁴⁹, R⁵⁴ and R⁵⁵, when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl or aryl; R⁵⁰ to R⁵³, when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het; Y¹, Y², Y³, Y⁴ and Y⁵, when present, each independently represent oxygen, sulfur or N—R⁵⁵; n=0 or 1; and m=0 to 5; provided that when n=1 then m equals 0, and when n equals 0 then m does not equal 0.

Preferably in a compound of formula III when both K¹ represents -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ and E¹ represents -A₅-Q⁵(X⁹)X¹⁰, then D¹ represents -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸.

Preferably, in this embodiment, R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴², when present, each independently represent hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl phenyl (wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted as defined herein), trifluoromethyl or phenyl (wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted as defined herein). Even more preferably, R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴², when present, each independently represent hydrogen, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, which is optionally substituted as defined herein, trifluoromethyl or optionally substituted phenyl. Even more preferably, R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴², when present each independently represent hydrogen, non-substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl or phenyl which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from non-substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl or OR¹⁹ where R¹⁹ represents hydrogen or unsubstituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl. More preferably, R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴², when present, each independently represent hydrogen or non-substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and cyclohexyl, especially methyl. Most preferably, R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴² when present, each independently represent non-substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and cyclohexyl, especially methyl.

Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the groups R¹ to R³, R⁴ to R⁶, R⁷ to R⁹, R¹⁰ to R¹², R¹³ to R¹⁵, R¹⁶ to R¹⁸, R³¹ to R³³, R³⁴ to R³⁶, R³⁷ to R³⁹ or R⁴⁰ to R⁴² (when present) together with the carbon atom to which they are attached independently may form cyclic alkyl structures such as 1-norbornyl or 1-norbornadienyl.

Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the groups R¹ and R², R⁴ and R⁵, R⁷ and R⁸, R¹⁰ and R¹¹, R¹³ and R¹⁴, R¹⁶ and R¹⁷, R³¹ and R³², R³⁴ and R³⁵, R³⁷ and R³⁸ or R⁴⁰ and R⁴¹ (when present) together with the carbon atom to which they are attached independently may form a cyclic alkyl structures, preferably a C₅ to C₇ cyclic alkyl structure such as cyclohexyl and cyclopentyl, and R³, R⁶, R⁹, R¹², R¹⁵, R¹⁸, R³³, R³⁶, R³⁹ and R⁴² (when present) each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, trifluoromethyl or aryl as defined above, particularly non-substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl and hydrogen, especially non-substituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl.

In an especially preferred embodiment, each of R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴², when present, do not represent hydrogen. Suitably, such an arrangement means Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ are bonded to a carbon atom of X¹ to X¹⁰, respectively, which bears no hydrogen atoms.

Preferably, R¹, R⁴, R⁷, R¹⁰, R¹³, R¹⁶, R³¹, R³⁴, R³⁷ and R⁴⁰ (when present), each represent the same substituent as defined herein; R², R⁵, R⁸, R¹¹, R¹⁴, R¹⁷, R³², R³⁵, R³⁸ and R⁴¹ (when present), each represent the same substituent as defined herein; and R³, R⁶, R⁹, R¹², R¹⁵, R¹⁸, R³³, R³⁶, R³⁹ and R⁴² (when present), each represent the same substituent as defined herein. More preferably R¹, R⁴, R⁷, R¹⁰, R¹³, R¹⁵, R³¹, R³⁴, R³⁷ and R⁴⁰ (when present) each represent the same C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl or cyclohexyl, or trifluoromethyl; R², R⁵, R⁸, R¹¹, R¹⁴, R¹⁷, R³², R³⁵, R³⁸ and R⁴¹ (when present), each independently represent the same C₁-C₆ alkyl as defined above, or trifluoromethyl; and R³, R⁶, R⁹, R¹², R¹⁵, R¹⁸, R³³, R³⁶, R³⁹ and R⁴² (when present), each independently represent the same C₁-C₆ alkyl as defined above, or trifluoromethyl. For example: R¹, R⁴, R⁷, R¹⁰, R¹³ and R¹⁶ (when present) each represent methyl; R², R⁵, R⁸, R¹¹, R¹⁴ and R¹⁷ each represent ethyl (when present); and, R³, R⁶, R⁹, R¹², R¹⁵ and R¹⁸ (when present) each represent n-butyl or n-pentyl.

In an especially preferred embodiment each R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴² group (when present) represents the same substituent as defined herein. Preferably, each R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴² group represents the same C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, particularly non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and cyclohexyl, or trifluoromethyl. Most preferably, each R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴² group represents non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly methyl.

The term adamantyl when used herein means an adamantyl group which may be bonded to Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵, respectively, in position 1 or 2. Tricyclo[3.3.1.1.{3,7}]decyl is the systematic name for an adamantyl group, suitably Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵, respectively, may be bonded to the 1 position or 2 position of one or two tricyclo[3.3.1.1.{3,7}]decyl groups. Preferably, Q¹ and Q², and Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵, when present, is bonded to a tertiary carbon of one or more adamantyl groups. Suitably, when the adamantyl group represents unsubstituted adamantyl, Q¹ and Q², and Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ when present are preferably bonded to the 1 position of one or more tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl groups i.e. the carbon atom of the adamantyl group bears no hydrogen atom.

The adamantyl group may optionally comprise, besides hydrogen atoms, one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, halo, nitro, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)OR²², cyano, aryl, —N(R²³)R²⁴, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶, —C(S) (R²⁷)R²⁸, —CF₃, —P(R⁵⁶)R⁵⁷, —PO(R⁵⁸)(R⁵⁹), —PO₃H₂, —PO(OR⁶⁰)(OR⁶¹), or —SO₃R⁶², wherein R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R²³, R²⁴, R²⁵, R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁸, lower alkyl, cyano and aryl are as defined herein and R⁵⁶ to R⁶² each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het.

Suitably, when the adamantyl group is substituted with one or more substituents as defined above, highly preferred substituents include unsubstituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, phenyl, —C(O)OR²², fluoro, —SO₃H, —N(R²³)R²⁴, —P(R⁵⁶)R⁵⁷, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶ and —PO(R⁵⁸)(R⁵⁹), —CF₃, wherein R¹⁹ represents hydrogen, unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl or phenyl, R²⁰, R²², R²³, R²⁴, R²⁵, R²⁶ each independently represent hydrogen or unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl, R⁵⁶ to R⁵³, R⁵⁶ each independently represent unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl or phenyl.

Suitably, the adamantyl group may comprise, besides hydrogen atoms, up to 10 substituents as defined above, preferably up to 5 substituents as defined above, more preferably up to 3 substituents as defined above. Suitably, when the adamantyl group comprises, besides hydrogen atoms, one or more substituents as defined herein, preferably each substituent is identical. Preferred substituents are unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl and trifluoromethyl, particularly unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl such as methyl. A highly preferred adamantyl group comprises hydrogen atoms only i.e. the adamantyl group is not substituted.

Preferably, when more than one adamantyl group is present in a compound of formula III, each adamantyl group is identical.

By the term 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1.{3,7}]decyl group we mean a 2-phospha-adamantyl group formed by the combination of X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached, a 2-phospha-adamantyl group formed by the combination of X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached, a 2-phospha-adamantyl group formed by the combination of X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³ to which they are attached, a 2-phospha-adamantyl group formed by the combination of X⁷ and X⁸ together with Q⁴ to which they are attached and a 2-phospha-adamantyl group formed by the combination of X⁹ and X¹⁰ together with Q⁵ to which they are attached, wherein Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ is in the 2-position of the adamantyl group of which it forms an integral part and each of Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ represents phosphorus.

The 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1.{3,7}]decyl group (referred to as 2-phospha-adamantyl group herein) may optionally comprise, beside hydrogen atoms, one or more substituents. Suitable substituents include those substituents as defined herein in respect of the adamantyl group. Highly preferred substituents include lower alkyl, particularly unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl, especially methyl, trifluoromethyl, —OR¹⁹ wherein R¹⁹ is as defined herein particularly unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl or aryl, and 4-dodecylphenyl. When the 2-phospha-adamantyl group includes more than one substituent, preferably each substituent is identical.

Preferably, the 2-phospha-adamantyl group is substituted on one or more of the 1, 3, 5 or 7 positions with a substituent as defined herein. More preferably, the 2-phospha-adamantyl group is substituted on each of the 1, 3 and 5 positions. Suitably, such an arrangement means the phosphorous atom of the 2-phospha-adamantyl group is bonded to carbon atoms in the adamantyl skeleton having no hydrogen atoms. Most preferably, the 2-phospha-adamantyl group is substituted on each of the 1, 3, 5 and 7 positions. When the 2-phospha-adamantyl group includes more than 1 substituent preferably each substituent is identical. Especially preferred substituents are unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl and trifluoromethyl, particularly unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl such as methyl.

Preferably, the 2-phospha-adamantyl group includes additional heteroatoms, other than the 2-phosphorous atom, in the 2-phospha-adamantyl skeleton. Suitable additional heteroatoms include oxygen and sulphur atoms, especially oxygen atoms. More preferably, the 2-phospha-adamantyl group includes one or more additional heteroatoms in the 6, 9 and 10 positions. Even more preferably, the 2-phospha-adamantyl group includes an additional heteroatom in each of the 6, 9 and 10 positions. Most preferably, when the 2-phospha-adamantyl group includes two or more additional heteroatoms in the 2-phospha-adamantyl skeleton, each of the additional heteroatoms are identical. An especially preferred 2-phospha-adamantyl group, which may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents as defined herein, includes an oxygen atom in each of the 6, 9 and 10 positions of the 2-phospha-adamantyl skeleton.

Highly preferred 2-phospha-adamantyl groups as defined herein include 2-phospha-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxadamantyl group, 2-phospha-1,3,5-trimethyl-6,9,10-trioxadamantyl group, 2-phospha-1,3,5,7-tetra(trifluoromethyl)-6,9,10-trioxadamantyl group, and 2-phospha-1,3,5-tri(trifluoromethyl)-6,9,10-trioxadamantyl group. Most preferably, the 2-phospha-adamantyl is selected from 2-phospha-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxadamantyl group or 2-phospa-1,3,5,-trimethyl-6,9,10-trioxadamantyl group.

Preferably, when more than one 2-phospha-adamantyl group is present in a compound of formula III, each 2-phospha-adamantyl group is identical.

The above definition of the term “2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1.{3,7}]decyl group” applies equally to the group when it is present in formula I but wherein X^(n) in formula III, i.e. X¹, X², X³ . . . X¹⁰, is denoted CR^(x)R^(y)R^(z), i.e. CR¹R²R³, . . . CR¹⁶R¹⁷R¹⁸, in formula I.

The term congressyl when used herein means a congressyl group (also known as diamantyl group) which may be bonded to Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ respectively. Preferably, Q¹ and Q², and Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵, when present, are bonded to one of the tertiary carbon atoms of the congressyl groups. Suitably, when the congressyl group is unsubstituted, Q¹ and Q², and Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ when present, are preferably bonded to the 1-position of one or more congressyl groups.

The congressyl group may optionally comprise, beside hydrogen atoms, one or more substituents. Suitable substituents include those substituents as defined herein in respect of the adamantyl group. Highly preferred substituents include unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, particularly methyl, and trifluoromethyl. Most preferably, the congressyl group is unsubstituted and comprises hydrogen atoms only.

Preferably, when more than one congressyl group is present in a compound of formula III, each congressyl group is identical.

Preferably, where one or more ring systems of formula IIIa, IIIb, IIIc, IIId or IIIe are present in a compound of formula III, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ each independently represent lower alkyl, aryl or Het, which groups are optionally substituted and/or terminated as defined herein. Such an arrangement means Q², Q¹, Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ of the ring system of formula IIIa to IIIe, respectively, is not bonded to a carbon atom bearing a hydrogen atom. Even more preferably, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ each independently represent optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, preferably non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, phenyl optionally substituted with non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or OR¹⁹ where R¹⁹ represents non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, or trifluoromethyl. Even more preferably R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ each represent the same group as defined herein, particularly non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, especially methyl.

Preferably, where one or more ring system of formula IIIa to IIIe are present in a compound of formula III, R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴ each independently represent optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, preferably non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, phenyl optionally substituted with non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or OR¹⁹ where R¹⁹ represents non-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, trifluoromethyl or hydrogen. More preferably, R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴ represent the same group as defined herein, especially hydrogen.

Preferably, where one or more ring systems of formula IIIa to IIIe are present in a compound of formula III, Y¹ to Y⁵ are identical. Most preferably, each of Y¹ to Y⁵ represents oxygen. Preferably, where more than one ring system of formula IIIa to IIIe is present in a compound of formula III, each such ring system is identical.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention include those wherein:

X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹) and X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²); X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents adamantyl, X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹) and X⁴ represents adamantyl; X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents congressyl, X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹) and X⁴ represents congressyl; X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), and X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb or a 2-phospha-adamantyl group; X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents adamantyl, X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb or a 2-phospha-adamantyl group; X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents congressyl, X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb or a 2-phospha-adamantyl group; X¹ to X⁴ each independently represent adamantyl; X¹ to X⁴ each independently represent congressyl; X¹ and X² each independently represent adamantyl and X³ and X⁴ each independently represent congressyl; X¹ and X³ independently represent adamantyl and X² and X⁴ independently represent congressyl; X¹ and X² independently represent adamantyl, X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹) and X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²); X¹ and X² independently represent congressyl, X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹) and X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²); X¹ and X² independently represent adamantyl, and X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb or a 2-phospha-adamantyl group; X¹ and X² independently represent congressyl, and X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb or a 2-phospha-adamantyl group; X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIa, and X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb; X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a 2-phospha-adamantyl group, and X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a 2-phospha-adamantyl group;

Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention include those wherein:

X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹) and X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²); X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents adamantyl, X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹) and X⁴ represents adamantyl; X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents congressyl, X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹) and X⁴ represents congressyl; X¹ to X⁴ each independently represent adamantyl; X¹ to X⁴ each independently represent congressyl; X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIa, and X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb; X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a 2-phospha-adamantyl group, and X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a 2-phospha-adamantyl group;

Preferably in a compound of formula III, X¹ is identical to X³ and X² is identical to X⁴. More preferably, X¹ is identical to X³ and X⁵, X⁷ and X⁹ when present, and X² is identical to X⁴ and X⁶, X⁸ and X¹⁰ when present. Even more preferably, X¹ to X⁴ are identical. Most preferably, X¹ to X⁴ are identical to each of X⁶ to X¹⁰ when present.

Preferably, in the compound of formula III, X¹ and X² represent identical substituents, X³ and X⁴ represent identical substituents, X⁵ and X⁶ (when present) represent identical substituents, X⁷ and X⁸ (when present) represent identical substituents, and X⁹ and X¹⁰ (when present) represent identical substituents.

Preferably, in a compound of formula III, K¹ represents -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶, hydrogen, lower alkyl, —CF₃, phenyl or lower alkyl phenyl. More preferably, K¹ represents -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶, hydrogen, unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, unsubstituted phenyl, trifluoromethyl or C₁-C₆ alkyl phenyl.

In a particular preferred embodiment K¹ in a compound of formula III represents hydrogen.

In an alternative embodiment where K¹ does not represent hydrogen, K¹ represents -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶. Preferably, X⁵ is identical to X³ or X¹, and X⁶ is identical to X² or X⁴. More preferably, X⁵ is identical to both X³ and X¹, and X⁶ is identical to both X² and X⁴. Even more preferably, -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ is identical to either -A₁-Q²(X¹)X² or -A₂-Q¹ (X³)X⁴. Most preferably, -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ is identical to both -A₁-Q₂(X¹)X² and -A₂-Q¹ (X³)X⁴.

Most preferably, K¹ represents hydrogen in a compound of formula III.

Preferably, in the compound of formula III, D¹ represents -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸, hydrogen, lower alkyl, CF₃, phenyl or lower alkylphenyl, and E¹ represents -A₅-Q⁵(X⁹)X¹⁰, hydrogen, lower alkyl, CF₃, phenyl or lower alkylphenyl, or D¹ and E¹ together with the carbons of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached form an optionally substituted phenyl ring. More preferably, D¹ represents -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸, hydrogen, phenyl, C₁-C₆ alkylphenyl, unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl, or CF₃; E¹ represents -A₅-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰, hydrogen, phenyl, C₁-C₆ alkylphenyl, unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl, or —CF₃; or both D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached form a phenyl ring which is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from phenyl, C₁-C₆ alkylphenyl, unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or —CF₃.

Suitably, when D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached form an optionally substituted phenyl ring, the metal M or cation thereof is attached to an indenyl ring system.

In a particular preferred embodiment, D¹ in a compound of formula III, represents hydrogen.

In an alternative embodiment where D¹ does not represent hydrogen, D¹ represents -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸. Preferably X⁸ is identical to X⁴ or X², and X⁷ is identical to X¹ or X³. More preferably, X⁸ is identical to both X⁴ and X², and X⁷ is identical to X¹ and X³. Even more preferably, -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸ is identical to either -A₁-Q² (X¹)X² or -A₂-Q¹ (X³)X⁴. Most preferably, -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸ is identical to both -A₂-Q¹(X³)X⁴, and -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ if present.

In a particular preferred embodiment, E¹ in a compound of formula III represents hydrogen.

In an alternative embodiment where E¹ does not represent hydrogen, E¹ represents -A₅-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰. Preferably X¹⁰ is identical to X⁴ or X², and X⁹ is identical to X¹ or X³. More preferably, X¹⁰ is identical to both X⁴ and X², and X⁹ is identical to X¹ and X³. Even more preferably, -A₅-Q⁵(X⁹)X¹⁰ is identical to either -A₁-Q²(X¹)X² or -A₂-Q¹ (X³)X⁴. Most preferably, -A₅-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰ is identical to both -A₁-Q₂(X¹)X² and -A₂-Q¹ (X³)X⁴, and -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ and -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸ if present.

Preferably, in the compound of formula III, when D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached do not form an optionally substituted phenyl ring, each of K¹, D¹ and E¹ represent an identical substituent.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, D¹ and E¹ together with the carbons of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl ring.

Highly preferred embodiments of compounds of formula III include those wherein:

K¹, D¹ and E¹ are identical substituents as defined herein, particularly where K¹, D¹ and E¹ represent hydrogen; K¹ represents hydrogen, and D¹ and E¹ together with the carbons of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl ring; K¹ represents -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ as defined herein and both D¹ and E¹ represent H; K¹ represents -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ as defined herein and D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl ring; K¹ represents -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶, D¹ represents -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸ and E¹ represents -A₅-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰.

Especially preferred compounds of formula III include those where both D¹ and E¹ represent hydrogen or D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl ring, particularly those compounds where both D¹ and E¹ represent hydrogen.

Preferably, in the compound of formula III, A₁ and A₂, and A₃, A₄ and A₅ (when present), each independently represent C₁ to C₆ alkylene which is optionally substituted as defined herein, for example with lower alkyl groups. Suitably, A₁ and A₂, and A₃, A₄ and A₅ (when present) may include a chiral carbon atom. Preferably, the lower alkylene groups which A₁ to A₅ may represent are non-substituted. A particular preferred lower alkylene, which A₁ to A₅ may independently represent, is —CH₂— or —C₂H₄—. Most preferably, each of A₁ and A₂, and A₃, A₄ and A₅ (when present), represent the same lower alkylene as defined herein, particularly —CH₂—.

In the compound of formula III, preferably each Q¹ and Q², and Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ (when present) are the same. Most preferably, each Q¹ and Q², and Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ (when present), represents phosphorus.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds of formula III may function as ligands that coordinate with the Group VIB or Group VIIIB metal or compound thereof in the formation of the catalyst system of the invention. Typically, the Group VIB or Group VIIIB metal or compound thereof coordinates to the one or more phosphorus, arsenic and/or antimony atoms of the compound of formula III. It will be appreciated that the compounds of formula III may be referred to broadly as “metallocenes”.

Suitably, when n=1 and L₁ represents an optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl group, the compounds of formula III may contain either two cyclopentadienyl rings, two indenyl rings or one indenyl and one cyclopentadienyl ring (each of which ring systems may optionally be substituted as described herein). Such compounds may be referred to as “sandwich compounds” as the metal M or metal cation thereof is sandwiched by the two ring systems. The respective cyclopentadienyl and/or indenyl ring systems may be substantially coplanar with respect to each other or they may be tilted with respect to each other (commonly referred to as bent metallocenes).

Alternatively, when n=1 and L₁ represents aryl, the compounds of the invention may contain either one cyclopentadienyl or one indenyl ring (each of which ring systems may optionally be substituted as described herein) and one aryl ring which is optionally substituted as defined herein. Suitably, when n=1 and L₁ represents aryl then the metal M of the compounds of formula III as defined herein is typically in the form of the metal cation.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a compound of formula III, n=1, L₁ is as defined herein and m=0.

Preferably, when n=1 in the compound of formula III, L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or aryl ring each of which rings are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)OR²², —N(R²³)R²⁴, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶, —C(S)(R²⁷)R²⁸—SR²⁹, —C(O)SR³⁰, —CF₃ or ferrocenyl (by which we mean the cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or aryl ring which L₁ may represent is bonded directly to the cyclopentadienyl ring of the ferrocenyl group), wherein R¹⁹ to R³⁰ is as defined herein. More preferably, if the cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or aryl ring which L₁ may represent is substituted it is preferably substituted with one or more substituents selected from unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)OR²², —N(R²³)R²⁴ where R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R²³ and R²⁴ each independently represent hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl. Even more preferably, if the cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or aryl ring which L₁ may represent is substituted, it is preferably substituted with one or more substituents selected from unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl.

Preferably, when n=1, L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, phenyl or napthyl optionally substituted as defined herein. Preferably, the cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, phenyl or napthyl groups are unsubstituted. More preferably, L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or phenyl, each of which rings are unsubstituted. Most preferably, L₁ represents unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl.

Alternatively, when n=0, the compounds of the invention contain only one cyclopentadienyl or indenyl ring (each of which ring systems may optionally be substituted as described herein). Such compounds may be referred to as “half sandwich compounds”. Preferably, when n=0 then m represents 1 to 5 so that the metal M of the compounds of formula III has an 18 electron count. In other words, when metal M of the compounds of formula III is iron, the total number of electrons contributed by the ligands L₂ is typically five.

In a particularly preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention, in a compound of formula III, n=0, L₂ is as defined herein and m=3 or 4, particularly 3.

Preferably, when n is equal to zero and m is not equal to zero in a compound of formula III, L₂ represents one or more ligands each of which are independently selected from lower alkyl, halo, —CO, —P(R⁴³)(R⁴⁴)R⁴⁵ or —N(R⁴⁶)(R⁴⁷)R⁴⁸.

More preferably, L₂ represents one or more ligands each of which are independently selected from unsubstituted C₁ to C₄ alkyl, halo, particularly chloro, —CO, —P (R⁴³)(R⁴⁴)R⁴⁵ or —N(R⁴⁶)(R⁴⁷)R⁴⁸, wherein R⁴³ to R⁴⁸ are independently selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted C₁ to C₆ alkyl or aryl, such as phenyl.

Suitably, the metal M or metal cation thereof in the compounds of formula III is typically bonded to the cyclopentadienyl ring(s), the cyclopentadienyl moiety of the indenyl ring(s) if present, the aryl ring if present, and/or the ligands L₂ if present. Typically, the cyclopentadienyl ring or the cyclopentadienyl moiety of the indenyl ring exhibits a pentahapto bonding mode with the metal; however other bonding modes between the cyclopentadienyl ring or cyclopentadienyl moiety of the indenyl ring and the metal, such as trihapto coordination, are also embraced by the scope of the present invention.

Most preferably, in a compound of formula III, n=1, m=0 and L₁ is defined herein, particularly unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl.

Preferably M represents a Group VIB or VIIIB metal. In other words the total electron count for the metal M is 18.

Preferably, in the compound of formula III, M represents Cr, Mo, Fe, Co or Ru, or a metal cation thereof. Even more preferably, M represents Cr, Fe, Co or Ru or a metal cation thereof. Most preferably, M is selected from a Group VIIIB metal or metal cation thereof. An especially preferred Group VIIIB metal is Fe. Although the metal M as defined herein may be in a cationic form, preferably it carries essentially no residual charge due to coordination with L₁ and/or L₂ as defined herein.

Especially preferred compounds of formula III include those wherein:

-   (1) X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴ (R⁵)(R⁶), X³     represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹), X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²), wherein each     of R¹ to R¹² independently represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or     trifluoromethyl, particularly where each of R¹ to R¹² is identical,     especially where each of R¹ to R¹² represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆     alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   K¹, D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (2) X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), X³     represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹), X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²);     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ represents CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵)         and X⁶ represents CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸);     -   each of R¹ to R¹⁸ independently represent unsubstituted C₁-C₆         alkyl or trifluoromethyl, particularly where each of R¹ to R¹⁸         is identical, especially where each of R¹ to R¹⁸ represents         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or unsubstituted         C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (3) X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), X³     represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹), X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²);     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ represents CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵)         and X⁵ represents CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸);     -   each of R¹ to R¹⁸ independently represent unsubstituted C₁-C₆         alkyl or trifluoromethyl, particularly where each of R¹ to R¹⁸         is identical, especially where each of R¹ to R¹⁸ represents         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (4) X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), X³     represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹), X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²), wherein each     of R¹ to R¹² independently represent unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or     trifluoromethyl, particularly where each of R¹ to R¹² is identical,     especially where each of R¹ to R¹² represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆     alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   K¹ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (5) X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴ (R⁵)(R⁶), X³     represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹), X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²);     -   E¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰ wherein X⁹ represents         CR³⁷(R³⁸)(R³⁹) and X¹⁰ represents CR⁴⁰ (R⁴¹)(R⁴²);     -   each of R¹ to R¹² and R³⁷ to R⁴² independently represent         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or trifluoromethyl, particularly where         each of R¹ to R¹² and R³⁷ to R⁴² is identical, especially where         each of R¹ to R¹² and R³⁷ to R⁴² represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆         alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q⁵ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and K¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or unsubstituted         C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (6) X¹ represents CR¹ (R²)(R³), X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), X³     represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹), X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²);     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ represents CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵)         and X⁶ represents CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸);     -   D¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸ wherein X⁷ represents CR³¹(R³²)(R³³)         and X⁸ represents CR³⁴(R³⁵)(R³⁶);     -   E¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰ wherein X⁹ represents         CR³⁷(R³⁸)(R³⁹) and X¹⁰ represents CR⁴⁰(R⁴¹)(R⁴²);     -   each of R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴² independently represent         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or trifluoromethyl, particularly where         each of R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴² is identical, especially where         each of R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴² represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆         alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ each represent phosphorus     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (7) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent adamantyl, especially     where X¹ to X⁴ represent the same adamantyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   K¹, D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (8) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent adamantyl, especially     where X¹ to X⁴ represent the same adamantyl group;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ independently         represent adamantyl, especially where X¹ to X⁶ represent the         same adamantyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or unsubstituted         C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (9) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent adamantyl, especially     where X¹ to X⁴ represent the same adamantyl group;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ independently         represent adamantyl, especially where X¹ to X⁶ represent the         same adamantyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (10) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent adamantyl, especially     where X¹ to X⁴ represent the same adamantyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   K¹ represents hydrogen or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl,         particularly hydrogen;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (11) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent adamantyl;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ independently         represent adamantyl;     -   D¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁶ wherein X⁷ and X⁸ independently         represents adamantyl;     -   E¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰ wherein X⁹ and X¹⁰ independently         represents adamantyl, especially where X¹ to X¹⁰ represent the         same adamantyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ each represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (12) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached     represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached represents         2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   K¹, D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (13) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached     represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached represents         2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³         to which they are attached represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or unsubstituted         C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (14) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached     represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached represents         2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³         to which they are attached represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (15) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached     represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached represents         2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   K¹ represents hydrogen or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl,         particularly hydrogen;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (16) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached     represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached represents         2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³         to which they are attached represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   D¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸ wherein X⁷ and X⁸ together with Q⁴         to which they are attached represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   E¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰ wherein X⁹ and X¹⁰ together with         Q⁵ to which they are attached represents 2-phospha-adamantyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ each represent phosphorus     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (17) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a     ring system of formula IIIa, X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which     they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb, wherein Y¹ and     Y² both represent oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently selected from     unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴ represent     hydrogen;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   K¹, D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl (referred to as puc) and m=0. -   (18) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a     ring system of formula IIIa, X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which     they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb, wherein Y¹ and     Y² both represent oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently selected from     unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴ represent     hydrogen;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³         to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIc,         wherein Y³ represents oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently         selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃ and R⁴⁹         and R⁵⁴ represent hydrogen;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl,         particularly hydrogen;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (19) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a     ring system of formula IIIa, X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which     they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb, wherein Y¹ and     Y² both represent oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently selected from     unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴ represent     hydrogen;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³         to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIc,         wherein Y³ represents oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently         selected from unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴         represent hydrogen;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (20) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a     ring system of formula IIIa, X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which     they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb, wherein Y¹ and     Y² both represent oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently selected from     unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴ represent     hydrogen;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   K¹ represents hydrogen or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl,         particularly hydrogen;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (21) X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a     ring system of formula IIIa, X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which     they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb, wherein Y¹ and     Y² both represent oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently selected from     unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴ represent     hydrogen;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³         to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIc,         wherein Y³ represents oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently         selected from unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴         represent hydrogen;     -   D¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸ wherein X⁷ and X⁸ together with Q⁴         to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIc,         wherein Y³ represents oxygen, R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently         selected from unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴         represent hydrogen;     -   E¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰ wherein X⁹ and X¹⁰ together with         Q⁵ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula Hie,         wherein Y⁵ represents oxygen, and R⁵⁰ to R⁵³ are independently         selected from unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl or CF₃, and R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴         represent hydrogen;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q₅ each represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl;     -   particularly unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (22) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent congressyl,     especially where X¹ to X⁴ represent the same congressyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   K¹, D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (23) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent congressyl,     especially where X¹ to X⁴ represent the same congressyl group;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ independently         represent congressyl, especially where X¹ to X⁶ represent the         same congressyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or unsubstituted         C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (24) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent congressyl,     especially where X¹ to X⁴ represent the same congressyl group;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ independently         represent congressyl, especially where X¹ to X⁵ represent the         same congressyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (25) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent congressyl,     especially where X¹ to X⁴ represent the same congressyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   K¹ represents hydrogen or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl,         particularly hydrogen;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (26) X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ independently represent congressyl;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ and X⁶ independently         represent congressyl;     -   D¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸ wherein X⁷ and X⁸ independently         represents congressyl;     -   E¹ represents —CH₂-Q⁵ (X⁹)X¹⁰ wherein X⁹ and X¹⁰ independently         represents congressyl, especially where X¹ to X¹⁰ represent the         same congressyl group;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q², Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ each represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (27) X¹ and X³ independently represent adamantyl, especially where     X¹ and X³ represent the same adamantyl group;     -   X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶) and X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²)         wherein each of R⁴, R⁵, Re, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² independently         represent C₁-C₆ alkyl or trifluoromethyl, particularly where         each of R⁴ to R⁶ and R¹⁰ to R¹² is identical, especially where         each of R⁴ to R⁶ and R¹⁰ to R¹² represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆         alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   K¹, D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or         unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (28) X¹ and X³ independently represent adamantyl, especially where     X¹ and X³ represent the same adamantyl group;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ represents adamantyl,         especially where X¹, X³ and X⁵ represent the same adamantyl         group;     -   X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²), X⁶         represents CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸), wherein each of R⁴ to R⁶, R¹⁰ to R¹²         and R¹⁶ to R¹⁸ independently represent unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl         or trifluoromethyl, particularly where each of R⁴ to R⁶, R¹⁰ to         R¹², and R¹⁶ to R¹⁸ is identical, especially where each of R⁴ to         R⁶, R¹⁰ to R¹² and R¹⁶ to R¹⁸ represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆         alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ are the same and represent hydrogen or unsubstituted         C₁-C₆ alkyl, particularly hydrogen;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (29) X¹ and X³ independently represent adamantyl, especially where     X¹ and X³ represent the same adamantyl group;     -   K¹ represents —CH₂-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ wherein X⁵ represents adamantyl,         especially where X¹, X³ and X⁵ represent the same adamantyl         group;     -   X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²), X⁶         represents CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸), wherein each of R⁴ to R⁵, R¹⁰ to R¹²         and R¹⁶ to R¹⁸ independently represent unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl         or trifluoromethyl, particularly where each of R⁴ to R⁶, R¹⁰ to         R¹², and R¹⁶ to R¹⁸ is identical, especially where each of R⁴ to         R⁶, R¹⁰ to R¹² and R¹⁶ to R¹⁸ represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆         alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹, Q² and Q³ each represent phosphorus;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0. -   (30) X¹ and X³ independently represent adamantyl, especially where     X¹ and X³ represent the same adamantyl group;     -   X² represents CR⁴ (R⁵)(R⁶) and X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²)         wherein each of R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² independently         represent C₁-C₆ alkyl or trifluoromethyl, particularly where         each of R⁴ to R⁶ and R¹⁰ to R¹² is identical, especially where         each of R⁴ to R⁶ and R¹⁰ to R¹² represents unsubstituted C₁-C₆         alkyl, particularly methyl;     -   A₁ and A₂ are the same and represent —CH₂—;     -   Q¹ and Q² both represent phosphorus;     -   K¹ represents hydrogen or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl,         particularly hydrogen;     -   D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl         ring to which they are attached form an unsubstituted phenyl         ring;     -   M represents Fe;     -   n=1 and L₁ represents cyclopentadienyl, particularly         unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl, and m=0.

Specific but non-limiting examples of bidentate ligands within this embodiment include the following: 1,2-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis-(ditertbutylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1-hydroxymethyl-2-dimethylaminomethylferrocene, 1,2-bis-(ditertbutylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2,3-tris-(ditertbutylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis-(dicyclohexylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis-(di-iso-butylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis-(dicyclopentylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis-(diethylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis(di-isopropylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis-(diraethylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis-(di-(1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha-adamantylmethyl))ferrocene, 1,2-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene-bismethyl iodide, 1,2-bis(dihydroxymethylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis(diphosphinomethyl)ferrocene, 1,2-bis-α,α-(P-(2,2,6,6,-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one))dimethylferrocene, and 1,2-bis-(di-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha-adamantylmethyl))benzene. Nevertheless, the skilled person in the art would appreciate that other bidentate ligands can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a catalyst system capable of catalysing the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, said system comprising:

a) a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB or a compound thereof, b) a bidentate phosphine, arsine, or stibine ligand, preferably a bidentate phosphine ligand, and c) an acid, wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and that said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand.

For the avoidance of any doubt, it is hereby stated that any of the features and embodiments described hereinbefore are equally applicable to this aspect.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound comprising contacting an ethylenically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and a hydroxyl group containing compound in the presence of a catalyst system as defined in the present invention, such as defined in the first aspect of the present invention. Preferably, the process is a liquid phase continuous process comprising the step noted above. Nevertheless, although the process is preferably operated continuously, batch operation is possible.

According to a yet further aspect, the present invention provides a process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound comprising contacting an ethylenically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and a hydroxyl group containing compound in the presence of a catalyst system, said system comprising:

a) a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB or a compound thereof, b) a bidentate phosphine, arsine, or stibine ligand, preferably a bidentate phosphine ligand, and c) an acid, wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and that said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand.

Suitably, the hydroxyl group containing compound includes water or an organic molecule having a hydroxyl functional group. Preferably, the organic molecule having a hydroxyl functional group may be branched or linear, and comprises an alkanol, particularly a C₁-C₃₀ alkanol, including aryl alkanols, which may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, C(S)R²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷ or C(O)SR²⁸ as defined herein. Highly preferred alkanols are C₁-C₈ alkanols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, iso-butanol, t-butyl alcohol, n-butanol, phenol and chlorocapryl alcohol. Although the monoalkanols are most preferred, poly-alkanols, preferably, selected from di-octa ols such as diols, triols, tetra-ols and sugars may also be utilised. Typically, such polyalkanols are selected from 1,2-ethanediol, 1,3-propanediol, glycerol, 1,2,4 butanetriol, 2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol, 1,2,6 trihydroxyhexane, pentaerythritol, 1,1,1 tri(hydroxymethyl)ethane, nannose, sorbase, galactose and other sugars. Preferred sugars include sucrose, fructose and glucose. Especially preferred alkanols are methanol and ethanol. The most preferred alkanol is methanol.

The amount of alcohol is not critical. Generally, amounts are used in excess of the amount of ethylenically unsaturated compound to be carbonylated. Thus the alcohol may serve as the reaction solvent as well, although, if desired, separate solvents may also be used.

It will be appreciated that the end product of the reaction is determined at least in part by the source of hydroxyl group containing compound used. If water is used as the hydroxyl group containing compound then the end product is the corresponding carboxylic acid, whereas use of an alkanol produces the corresponding ester.

It will also be appreciated that the process of the present invention may start with a catalyst system having components providing molar ratios above or below those claimed but such ratios will progress to values within said ranges claimed during the course of the reaction.

It will of course also be appreciated that the levels of such components present within the catalyst system may change during the process of the invention as further amounts of some or all of the components are added to maintain the usable levels of components within the catalyst system. Some of the components of the catalyst system may drop out of the system during the reaction process and therefore levels may need to be topped-up to maintain levels within the actual catalyst system.

As stated hereinbefore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the phosphines described herein may function as ligands that coordinate with the Group VIB or Group VIIIB metal or compound, together with the present acid, to form a complex. This complex may represent part of the effective catalyst in the present invention and hence may represent part of the catalyst system defined herein.

Thus, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a complex capable of catalysing the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, said complex obtainable by combining:

a) a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB or a compound thereof, b) a bidentate phosphine, arsine, or stibine ligand, preferably a bidentate phosphine ligand, and c) an acid, wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and that said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand.

In a yet further aspect, the present invention provides a process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and a hydroxyl group containing compound in the presence of a complex, said complex as defined above.

In the process according to the present invention, the carbon monoxide may be used in pure form or diluted with an inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or a noble gas such as argon. Small amounts of hydrogen, typically less than 5% by volume, may also be present.

The ratio (volume/volume) of ethylenically unsaturated compound to hydroxyl group containing compound may vary between wide limits and suitably lies in the range of 1:0.1 to 1:10, preferably from between 2:1 to 1:2 and up to a large excess of hydroxyl group containing compounds when the latter is also the reaction solvent such as up to a 50:1 excess of hydroxyl group containing compounds.

The molar ratio of the ethylenically unsaturated compound to carbon monoxide is preferably in the range 1:1 to 100:1 more preferably greater than 1:1, even more preferably at least 3:1, especially from 3:1 to 50:1, and most preferably in the range from 3:1 to 15:1.

The amount of the catalyst of the invention used in the carbonylation process of the ethylenically unsaturated compound is not critical. Good results may be obtained when, preferably, the amount of Group VIB or VIIIB metal is in the range 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻¹ moles per mole of ethylenically unsaturated compound, more preferably, 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻² moles, most preferably 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻² moles per mole of ethylenically unsaturated compound. Preferably, the amount of bidentate compound of formula I or formula III to unsaturated compound is in the range 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻¹, more preferably, 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻², most preferably, 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻² moles per mole of ethylenically unsaturated compound.

Suitably, although non-essential to the invention, the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound as defined herein may be performed in one or more aprotic solvents. Suitable solvents include ketones, such as for example methylbutylketone; ethers, such as for example anisole (methyl phenyl ether), 2,5,8-trioxanonane (diglyme), diethyl ether, dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, diphenylether, diisopropylether and the dimethylether of di-ethylene-glycol; esters, such as for example methylacetate, dimethyladipate methyl benzoate, dimethyl phthalate and butyrolactone; amides, such as for example dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone and dimethyl formamide; sulfoxides and sulphones, such as for example dimethylsulphoxide, di-isopropylsulphone, sulfolane (tetrahydrothiophene-2,2-dioxide), 2-methylsulfolane, diethyl sulphone, tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide and 2-methyl-4-ethylsulfolane; aromatic compounds, including halo variants of such compounds eg. benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, m-dichlorobenzene:alkanes, including halo variants of such compounds eg, hexane, heptane, 2,2,3-trimethylpentane, methylene chloride and carbon tetrachloride; nitriles eg. benzonitrile and acetonitrile.

Very suitable are aprotic solvents having a dielectric constant that is below a value of 50, more preferably in the range of 3 to 8, at 298.15 K and 1×10⁵Nm⁻². In the present context, the dielectric constant for a given solvent is used in its normal meaning of representing the ratio of the capacity of a condenser with that substance as dielectric to the capacity of the same condenser with a vacuum for dielectric. Values for the dielectric constants of common organic liquids can be found in general reference books, such as the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 76^(th) edition, edited by David R. Lide et al, and published by CRC press in 1995, and are usually quoted for a temperature of about 20° C. or 25° C., i.e. about 293.15 k or 298.15 K, and atmospheric pressure, i.e. about 1×10⁵Nm⁻², or can readily be converted to that temperature and pressure using the conversion factors quoted. If no literature data for a particular compound is available, the dielectric constant may be readily measured using established physico-chemical methods.

For example, the dielectric constant of anisole is 4.3 (at 294.2 K), of diethyl ether is 4.3 (at 293.2 K), of sulfolane is 43.4 (at 303.2 K), of methylpentanoate is 5.0 (at 293.2 K), of diphenylether is 3.7 (at 283.2 K), of dimethyladipate is 6.8 (at 293.2 K), of tetrahydrofuran is 7.5 (at 295.2 K), of methylnonanoate is 3.9 (at 293.2 K). A preferred solvent is anisole.

If the hydroxyl group containing compound is an alkanol, an aprotic solvent will be generated by the reaction as the ester carbonylation product of the ethylenically unsaturated compound, carbon monoxide and the alkanol is an aprotic solvent.

The process may be carried out in an excess of aprotic solvent, i.e. at a ratio (v/v) of aprotic solvent to hydroxyl group containing compound of at least 1:1. Preferably, this ratio ranges from 1:1 to 10:1 and more preferably from 1:1 to 5:1. Most preferably the ratio (v/v) ranges from 1.5:1 to 3:1.

Despite the a foregoing it is preferred that the reaction is carried out in the absence of any external added aprotic solvent i.e. an aprotic solvent not generated by the reaction itself.

The catalyst compounds of the present invention may act as a “heterogeneous” catalyst or a “homogeneous” catalyst.

By the term “homogeneous” catalyst we mean a catalyst, i.e. a compound of the invention, which is not supported but is simply admixed or formed in-situ with the reactants of the carbonylation reaction (e.g. the ethylenically unsaturated compound, the hydroxyl containing compound and carbon monoxide), preferably in a suitable solvent as described herein.

By the term “heterogeneous” catalyst we mean a catalyst, i.e. the compound of the invention, which is carried on a support.

Thus according to a further aspect, the present invention provides a process for the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds as defined herein wherein the process is carried out with the catalyst comprising a support, preferably an insoluble support.

Preferably, the support comprises a polymer such as a polyolefin, polystyrene or polystyrene copolymer such as a divinylbenzene copolymer or other suitable polymers or copolymers known to those skilled in the art; a silicon derivative such as a functionalised silica, a silicone or a silicone rubber; or other porous particulate material such as for example inorganic oxides and inorganic chlorides.

Preferably the support material is porous silica which has a surface area in the range of from 10 to 700 m²/g, a total pore volume in the range of from 0.1 to 4.0 cc/g and an average particle size in the range of from 10 to 500 μm. More preferably, the surface area is in the range of from 50 to 500 m²/g, the pore volume is in the range of from 0.5 to 2.5 cc/g and the average particle size is in the range of from 20 to 200 μm. Most desirably the surface area is in the range of from 100 to 400 m²/g, the pore volume is in the range of from 0.8 to 3.0 cc/g and the average particle size is in the range of from 30 to 100 μm. The average pore size of typical porous support materials is in the range of from 10 to 1000 Å. Preferably, a support material is used that has an average pore diameter of from 50 to 500 Å, and most desirably from 75 to 350 Å. It may be particularly desirable to dehydrate the silica at a temperature of from 100° C. to 800° C. anywhere from 3 to 24 hours.

Suitably, the support may be flexible or a rigid support, the insoluble support is coated and/or impregnated with the compounds of the process of the invention by techniques well known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively, the compounds of the process of the invention are fixed to the surface of an insoluble support, optionally via a covalent bond, and the arrangement optionally includes a bifunctional spacer molecule to space the compound from the insoluble support.

The compounds of the invention may be fixed to the surface of the insoluble support by promoting reaction of a functional group present in the compound of formula I or III, for example a substituent K, D, Z and E (or K¹, D¹ and E¹) of the aryl moiety, with a complimentary reactive group present on or previously inserted into the support. The combination of the reactive group of the support with a complimentary substituent of the compound of the invention provides a heterogeneous catalyst where the compound of the invention and the support are linked via a linkage such as an ether, ester, amide, amine, urea, keto group.

The choice of reaction conditions to link a compound of the process of the present invention to the support depend upon the ethylenically unsaturated compound and the groups of the support. For example, reagents such as carbodiimides, 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole, and processes such as the use of mixed anhydrides, reductive amination may be employed.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of the process of any aspect of the invention wherein the catalyst is attached to a support.

Conveniently, the process of the invention may be carried out by dissolving the Group VIB or VIIIB metal or compound thereof as defined herein in a suitable solvent such as one of the hydroxyl group containing compounds or aprotic solvents previously described (a particularly preferred solvent would be the ester or acid product of the specific carbonylation reaction e.g. Methyl propionate for ethylene carbonylation) and subsequently admixing with a compound of formula I or III as defined herein and an acid.

The carbon monoxide may be used in the presence of other gases which are inert in the reaction. Examples of such gases include hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and the noble gases such as argon.

Suitable Group VIB or VIIIB metals or a compound thereof which may be combined with a compound of formula I or III include cobalt, nickel, palladium, rhodium, platinum, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten, preferably include cobalt, nickel, palladium, rhodium and platinum. Preferably, component a) is a Group VIIIB metal or a compound thereof. Preferably, the metal is a Group VIIIB metal, such as palladium. Preferably, the Group VIIIB metal is palladium or a compound thereof. Thus, component a) is preferably palladium or a compound thereof. Suitable compounds of such Group VIB or VIIIB metals include salts of such metals with, or compounds comprising weakly coordinated anions derived from, nitric acid; sulphuric acid; lower alkanoic (up to C₁₂) acids such as acetic acid and propionic acid; sulphonic acids such as methane sulphonic acid, chlorosulphonic acid, fluorosulphonic acid, trifluoromethane sulphonic acid, benzene sulphonic acid, naphthalene sulphonic acid, toluene sulphonic acid, e.g. p-toluene sulphonic acid, t-butyl sulphonic acid, and 2-hydroxypropane sulphonic acid; sulphonated ion exchange resins; perhalic acid such as perchloric acid; halogenated carboxylic acids such as trichloroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic acid; orthophosphoric acid; phosphonic acids such as benzenephosphonic acid; and acids derived from interactions between Lewis acids and Broensted acids. Other sources which may provide suitable anions include the optionally halogenated tetraphenyl borate derivatives, e.g. perfluorotetraphenyl borate. Additionally, zero valent palladium complexes particularly those with labile ligands, e.g. triphenylphosphine or alkenes such as dibenzylideneacetone or styrene or tri(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium may be used. Nevertheless, an acid is present in the catalyst system as set out hereinbefore, even if other sources of anion such as those noted above are also present.

Thus, the acid is selected from an acid having a pKa measured in aqueous solution at 18° C. of less than 4, more preferably less than 3, most preferably less than 2. Suitable acids include the acids listed supra. Preferably, the acid is not a carboxylic acid, more preferably the acid is either a sulphonic acid, or some other non-carboxylic acid such as those selected from the list consisting of perchloric acid, phosphoric acid, methyl phosphonic acid, sulphuric acid, and sulphonic acids, even more preferably a sulphonic acid or other non-carboxylic acid (selected from the list above) having a pKa measured in aqueous solution at 18° C. of less than 2, yet even more preferably a sulphonic acid having a pKa measured in aqueous solution at 18° C. of less than 2, still more preferably the acid is selected from the list consisting of the following sulphonic acids: methanesulphonic acid, trifluoromethanesulphonic acid, tert-butanesulphonic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid, 2-hydroxypropane-2-sulphonic acid, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulphonic acid, most preferably the acid is methanesulphonic acid.

As mentioned, the catalyst system of the present invention may be used homogeneously or heterogeneously. Preferably, the catalyst system is used homogeneously.

The catalyst system of the present invention is preferably constituted in the liquid phase which may be formed by one or more of the reactants or by the use of a suitable solvent.

The molar ratio of the amount of ethylenically unsaturated compound used in the reaction to the amount of hydroxyl providing compound is not critical and may vary between wide limits, e.g. from 0.001:1 to 100:1 mol/mol.

The product of the carbonylation reaction using the ligand of the invention may be separated from the other components by any suitable means. However, it is an advantage of the present process that significantly fewer by-products are formed thereby reducing the need for further purification after the initial separation of the product as may be evidenced by the generally significantly higher selectivity. A further advantage is that the other components which contain the catalyst system which may be recycled and/or reused in further reactions with minimal supplementation of fresh catalyst.

Preferably, the carbonylation is carried out at a temperature of between −10 to 150° C., more preferably 0° C. to 140° C., even more preferably 15° C. to 140° C., most preferably 20° C. to 120° C. An especially preferred temperature is one chosen between 80° C. to 120° C. Advantageously, the carbonylation can be carried out at moderate temperatures, it is particularly advantageous to be able to carry out the reaction at room temperature (20° C.).

Preferably, when operating a low temperature carbonylation, the carbonylation is carried out between −30° C. to 49° C., more preferably, −10° C. to 45° C., still more preferably 0° C. to 45° C., even more preferably 10° C. to 45° C., most preferably 15° C. to 45° C. Especially preferred is a range of 15 to 35° C.

Preferably, the carbonylation is carried out at a CO partial pressure of between 0.80×10⁵ N·m⁻²−90×10⁵ N·m⁻², more preferably 1×10⁵ N·m⁻²−65×10⁵ N·m⁻², most preferably 1−30×10⁵ N·m⁻². Especially preferred is a CO partial pressure of 5 to 20×10⁵ N·m⁻².

Preferably, a low pressure carbonylation is also envisaged. Preferably, when operating a low pressure carbonylation the carbonylation is carried out at a CO partial pressure of between 0.1 to 5×10⁵ N·m⁻², more preferably 0.2 to 2×10⁵ N·m⁻², most preferably 0.5 to 1.5×10⁵ N·m⁻².

The ethylenically unsaturated compounds may be substituted or non-substituted with groups as defined above for the “aryl” group above. Particularly suitable substituents include alkyl and aryl groups as well as groups containing heteroatoms such as halides, sulphur, phosphorus, oxygen and nitrogen. Examples of substituents include chloride, bromide, iodide and hydroxy, alkoxy, carboxy, amino, amido, nitro, cyano, thiol or thioalkoxy groups. Suitable ethylenically unsaturated compounds include ethene, propene, hexene, vinyl compounds such as vinyl acetates, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, undecene, dodecene, etc up to C₃₀, i.e. having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms, which may be linear or branched, cyclic or uncyclic or part cyclic and in which the double bond may take any suitable position in the carbon chain and which includes all stereisomers thereof.

Moreover, the unsaturated compound may have one or more unsaturated bonds and therefore, for example, the range of ethylenically unsaturated compounds extends to dienes. The unsaturated bond(s) may be internal or terminal, the catalyst system of the invention being particularly advantageous in the conversion of internal olefins.

Particularly preferred are olefins having from 2 to 22 carbon atoms per molecule, such as ethene, propene, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene, pentenes, hexenes, octenes, e.g. oct-2-ene, oct-3-ene, oct-4-ene, decenes and dodecenes, triisobutylene, tripropylene, internal C₁₄ olefins, and internal C₁₅-C₁₈ olefins, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, cyclododecene, methyl pentenoate and pentene nitriles, e.g. pent-2-ene nitrile.

The ethylenically unsaturated compound is preferably an alkene having 1 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds per molecule. Non-limiting examples of suitable dienes include the following: 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene, 2,4-heptadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, particularly 1,3-butadiene.

Another preferred category of unsaturated compounds consists of unsaturated esters of carboxylic acids and esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids. For example, the starting material may be a vinyl ester of a carboxylic acid such as acetic acid or propanoic acid, or it may be an alkyl ester of an unsaturated acid, such as the methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid.

A further preferred category of unsaturated compounds consists of cycloalkadienes, which will ordinarily refuse carbonylation. For example, the starting material may be dicyclopentadiene or norbornadiene, to give diesters, diamides or diacids, etc., which may find subsequent use as monomers in polymerisation reactions.

The use of stabilising compounds with the catalyst system may also be beneficial in improving recovery of metal which has been lost from the catalyst system. When the catalyst system is utilized in a liquid reaction medium such stabilizing compounds may assist recovery of the Group VI or VIIIB metal.

Preferably, therefore, the catalyst system includes in a liquid reaction medium a polymeric dispersant dissolved in a liquid carrier, said polymeric dispersant being capable of stabilising a colloidal suspension of particles of the Group VI or VIIIB metal or metal compound of the catalyst system within the liquid carrier.

The liquid reaction medium may be a solvent for the reaction or may comprise one or more of the reactants or reaction products themselves. The reactants and reaction products in liquid form may be miscible with or dissolved in a solvent or liquid diluent.

The polymeric dispersant is soluble in the liquid reaction medium, but should not significantly increase the viscosity of the reaction medium in a way which would be detrimental to reaction kinetics or heat transfer. The solubility of the dispersant in the liquid medium under the reaction conditions of temperature and pressure should not be so great as to deter significantly the adsorption of the dispersant molecules onto the metal particles.

The polymeric dispersant is capable of stabilising a colloidal suspension of particles of said Group VI or VIIIB metal or metal compound within the liquid reaction medium such that the metal particles formed as a result of catalyst degradation are held in suspension in the liquid reaction medium and are discharged from the reactor along with the liquid for reclamation and optionally for re-use in making further quantities of catalyst. The metal particles are normally of colloidal dimensions, e.g. in the range 5-100 nm average particle size although larger particles may form in some cases. Portions of the polymeric dispersant are adsorbed onto the surface of the metal particles whilst the remainder of the dispersant molecules remain at least partially solvated by the liquid reaction medium and in this way the dispersed Group VI or VIIIB metal particles are stabilised against settling on the walls of the reactor or in reactor dead spaces and against forming agglomerates of metal particles which may grow by collision of particles and eventually coagulate. Some agglomeration of particles may occur even in the presence of a suitable dispersant but when the dispersant type and concentration is optimised then such agglomeration should be at a relatively low level and the agglomerates may form only loosely so that they may be broken up and the particles redispersed by agitation.

The polymeric dispersant may include homopolymers or copolymers including polymers such as graft copolymers and star polymers.

Preferably, the polymeric dispersant has sufficiently acidic or basic functionality to substantially stabilise the colloidal suspension of said Group VI or VIIIB metal or metal compound.

By substantially stabilise is meant that the precipitation of the Group VI or VIIIB metal from the solution phase is substantially avoided.

Particularly preferred dispersants for this purpose include acidic or basic polymers including carboxylic acids, sulphonic acids, amines and amides such as polyacrylates or heterocycle, particularly nitrogen heterocycle, substituted polyvinyl polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone or copolymers of the aforesaid.

Examples of such polymeric dispersants may be selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylenimine, polyglycine, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, poly(3-hydroxybutyricacid), poly-L-leucine, poly-L-methionine, poly-L-proline, poly-L-serine, poly-L-tyrosine, poly(vinylbenzenesulphonic acid) and poly(vinylsulphonic acid).

Preferably, the polymeric dispersant incorporates acidic or basic moieties either pendant or within the polymer backbone. Preferably, the acidic moieties have a dissociation constant (pK_(a)) of less than 6.0, more preferably, less than 5.0, most preferably less than 4.5. Preferably, the basic moieties have a base dissociation constant (pK_(b)) being of less than 6.0, more preferably less than 5.0 and most preferably less than 4.5, pK_(a) and pK_(b) being measured in dilute aqueous solution at 25° C.

Suitable polymeric dispersants, in addition to being soluble in the reaction medium at reaction conditions, contain at least one acidic or basic moiety, either within the polymer backbone or as a pendant group. We have found that polymers incorporating acid and amide moieties such as polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) and polyacrylates such as polyacrylic acid (PAA) are particularly suitable. The molecular weight of the polymer which is suitable for use in the invention depends upon the nature of the reaction medium and the solubility of the polymer therein. We have found that normally the average molecular weight is less than 100,000. Preferably, the average molecular weight is in the range 1,000-200,000, more preferably, 5,000-100,000, most preferably, 10,000-40,000 e.g. Mw is preferably in the range 10,000-80,000, more preferably 20,000-60,000 when PVP is used and of the order of 1,000-10,000 in the case of PAA.

The effective concentration of the dispersant within the reaction medium should be determined for each reaction/catalyst system which is to be used.

The dispersed Group VI or VIIIB metal may be recovered from the liquid stream removed from the reactor e.g. by filtration and then either disposed of or processed for re-use as a catalyst or other applications. In a continuous process the liquid stream may be circulated through an external heat-exchanger and in such cases it may be convenient to locate filters for the palladium particles in these circulation apparatus.

Preferably, the polymer:metal mass ratio in g/g is between 1:1 and 1000:1, more preferably, between 1:1 and 400:1, most preferably, between 1:1 and 200:1. Preferably, the polymer:metal mass ratio in g/g is up to 1000, more preferably, up to 400, most preferably, up to 200.

According to a further aspect there is provided a reaction medium comprising one or more reactants, and a catalyst system comprising, or obtainable by combining, at least a Group VIB or VIIIB metal or metal compound, a bidentate phosphine, arsine, or stibine ligand, and an acid, as defined herein, wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and that said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand.

Preferably, said reaction medium is a liquid-phase reaction medium, more preferably a liquid-phase continuous-system reaction system.

Preferably, within said reaction medium, the amount of free acid present in the medium, that is acid which is not directly combined with the phosphine ligand, is greater than 500 ppm, more preferably greater than 1000 ppm, most preferably greater than 2000 ppm.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a process for preparing the catalyst systems of the invention comprising combining components a), b) and c) as defined herein, preferably in the aforementioned ratios.

According to a yet further aspect the present invention provides the use of a system comprising, or obtainable by combining:

a) a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB or a compound thereof, b) a bidentate phosphine, arsine, or stibine ligand, preferably a bidentate phosphine ligand, and c) an acid, wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and that said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand, as a catalyst in the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, preferably the liquid-phase carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, more preferably the liquid-phase continuous-system carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound.

For the avoidance of any doubt, each and every feature described hereinbefore is equally applicable to any or all of the various aspects of the present invention as set out herein, unless such features are incompatible with the particular aspect or are mutually exclusive.

All documents mentioned herein are incorporated by reference thereto.

The following examples further illustrate the present invention. These examples are to be viewed as being illustrative of specific materials falling within the broader disclosure presented above and are not to be viewed as limiting the broader disclosure in any way.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 1,2 bis(diadamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene

(Method 1)

The preparation of this ligand was carried out as follows.

1.1 Preparation of (1-Ad)₂P(O)Cl

Phosphorous trichloride (83 cm³, 0.98 mol) was added rapidly via cannula to a combination of aluminium chloride (25.0 g, 0.19 mol) and adamantane (27.2 g, 0.20 mol) affording a tan suspension. The reaction was heated to reflux. After 10 mins, a yellow-orange suspension was formed. The reaction was refluxed for a total of 6 h. The excess PCl₃ was removed by distillation at atmospheric pressure (BP 75° C.). On cooling to ambient temperature, an orange solid was formed. Chloroform (250 cm³) was added yielding an orange suspension, which was cooled to 0° C. Water (150 cm³) was added slowly: initially the suspension viscosity increased, but on full addition of water the viscosity lessened. From this point the reaction was no longer kept under an atmosphere of Ar. The suspension was Buchner filtered to remove the yellow-orange solid impurity. The filtrate consisted of a two phase system. The lower phase was separated using a separating funnel, dried over MgSO₄ and Buchner filtered. The volatiles were removed via rotary evaporation, drying finally in-vacuo, affording an off-white powder. Yield 35.0 g, 99%. ³¹P NMR: δ=85 ppm, 99% pure. FW=352.85.

1.2 Preparation of (1-Ad)₂PH

LiAlH₄ (2.54 g, 67.0 mmol) was added over 90 minutes to a chilled (−10° C.) solution of (1-Ad)₂P(O)Cl (10.00 g, 28.3 mmol) in THF. (120 cm³). The reaction was allowed to warm to ambient temperature then stirred for 20 h. The grey suspension was cooled to −10° C. HCl (aq., 5 cm³ c. HCl in 50 cm³ degassed water) was added slowly via syringe (initially very slowly due to exotherm of reaction), yielding a two phase system, with some solid material in the lower phase. Further HCl (˜5 cm³ c. HCl) was added to improve the separation of the layers. The upper phase was removed via flat ended cannula, dried over MgSO₄ and filtered via cannula. The volatiles were removed in-vacuo affording the product as a white powder, isolated in the glovebox. Yield 6.00 g, 70%. ³¹P NMR: δ=17 ppm, 100% pure. FW=302.44.

1.3 Preparation of (1-Ad)₂PCl

A solution of Ad₂PH (10.5 g, 34.7 mmol) and DBU (6.12 cm³, 40.9 mmol) in toluene (250 cm³) was chilled to −10° C. Phosgene solution (30.0 cm³, 56.7 mmol, was added slowly via cannula, transferring via a measuring cylinder. This afforded a highly viscous pale yellow suspension. Additional toluene (100 cm³) was added via cannula to lessen the viscosity and ease the stirring. The reaction was filtered via cannula affording a yellow filtrate. The residue was washed with additional toluene (2×100 cm³) and the washings combined with the original filtrate. The volatiles were removed in-vacuo affording a pale yellow solid, which was washed with pentane (2×30 cm³, washings practically colourless). The product was dried in-vacuo and isolated in the glovebox as a lemon yellow powder. Yield 7.84 g, 67%. ³¹P NMR: δ=139 ppm, 99+% pure. FW=336.88.

1.4 Preparation of 1,2-bis(di-1-adamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene

1.4.1 Preparation of DI-SODIO-ORTHO-XYLENE(DISOD)

Bu^(n)Li (2.5 M in hexanes, 11.28 cm³, 28.2 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe over 15 minutes to a stirred suspension of NaOBu^(t) (crushed, 2.71 g, 28.2 mmol), o-xylene (1.15 cm³, 9.4 mmol) and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl ethylene diamine (TMEDA) (4.26 cm³, 28.2 mmol) in heptane (100 cm³). The reaction was heated at 60° C. for 2 h, then allowed to cool/settle, affording a bright orange solid (DISOD) and pale yellow solution. The solution was removed via cannula filtration and the solid washed with additional heptane (50 cm³) and dried in-vacuo. 90% yield assumed, 8.47 mmol.

1.4.2 Reaction of DI-SODIO-ORTHO-XYLENE with 2 equiv (1-Ad)₂PCl

A suspension of DISOD (8.47 mmol) in Et₂O (100 cm³) was prepared at −78° C. A suspension of Ad₂PCl (5.70 g, 16.9 mmol) in Et₂O (120 cm³) was stirred rapidly at −78° C. and added via wide-bore cannula to the DISOD suspension. The reaction was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and stirred for 18 h, affording a pale yellow turbid solution. Water (degassed, 100 cm³) added via cannula affording a two phase system, with a great deal of white solid present (product) due to the low solubility of this material. The upper phase (Et₂O) was removed via cannula. The solid in the aqueous phase was extracted using dichloromethane (200 cm³), forming two clear phases. The lower phase (CH₂Cl₂) was removed via cannula and combined with the original Et₂O phase. The volatiles were removed in-vacuo yielding a slightly sticky solid. The solid was washed with pentane (200 cm³) with attrition being performed, the washings being removed via cannula filtration. The white solid was dried in-vacuo and isolated in the glovebox as a friable white powder. Yield 3.5 g, 59%. FW=707.01.

³¹P {¹H} NMR data: δ 24 ppm.

¹H NMR data: (400 MHz, CDCl₃, 298 K) δ 7.59-7.50 (m, 2H, Ar—H), 7.09-6,99 (m, 2H, Ar—H), 3.01 (d, 4H, ²J_(PH)=3.2 Hz, CH₂), 2.07-1.57 (m, 60H, C₁₀H₁₅) ppm.

¹³C {¹H} NMR data: (100 MHz, CDCl₃, 298 K) Γ 139.4 (dd, J_(PC)=10.7 Hz, J_(PC)=2.3 Hz, Ar—C), 131.0 (d, J_(PC)=16.8 Hz, Ar—C), 125.0 (s, Ar—C), 41.1 (d, ²J_(PC)=10.7 Hz, Ad-C²), 37.2 (s, Ad-C⁴), 36.9 (d, ¹J_(PC)=22.9 Hz, Ad-C¹), 28.8 (d, ³J_(PC)=7.6 Hz, Ad-C³), 22.0 (dd, ¹J_(PC)=22.9 Hz, ⁴J_(PC)=3.1 Hz, CH₂).

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 1,2 bis(diadamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene (method 2)

2.1 Di-1-adamantyl phosphinic chloride was prepared in accordance with the method of Example 1.1.

2.2 Di-1-adamantyl phosphine was prepared in accordance with the method of Example 1.2.

2.3 (Di-1-adamantyl phosphine)trihydro boron. Borane (THP) adduct (10 cm³, 10 mmol) was added to stirred solution of di-1-adamantyl phosphine (1.36 g, 4.5 mmol) in THP (30 cm³). Stirring for a further 5 hrs afforded a slightly turbid solution. The volatiles were then removed in-vacuo to yield the product as a pure white solid. Yield: 1.39 g, 98%, 99% pure. FW: 315.25. ³¹P NMR: δ 41 ppm (d, J_(PB) 64 Hz).

2.4 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(di-1-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene via deprotonation with ^(sec)BuLi and reaction with αα dichloro o-xylene. To a stirred, cooled (−78°) THF solution (60 cm³) of di-1-adamantyl phosphine trihydroboron (5 g, 15.8 mmol), was slowly added (via syringe) ^(sec)BuLi (12.3 cm³, 16.6 mmol), upon full addition the solution had a noticeable yellow colouration. The solution was stirred for 30 minutes at −78° and then allowed to warm to room temperature and stir for a further 120 minutes. The solution was then cooled to −78° and a THF solution (20 cm³) of αα dichloro o-xylene was added via cannula. The solution was then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 15 hrs. The volatiles where then removed in-vacuo. No further work up was required as LiCl and excess organics are removed during the deprotection procedure. Yield: 100% 85% pure.

³¹P {¹H} NMR (CDCl₃, 298K) δ (d, br) 41 ppm.

¹¹B {¹H} NMR δ −43 ppm (d, J_(BP) 44 Hz)

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 298K) δ 7.8-7.50 ppm (m, br Ar—H), δ 7.49-7.00 ppm (m, br Ar—H), δ 3.3 ppm (d, CH₂), δ 2.2-1.2 ppm (m, C₁₀H₁₅)

2.5 Synthesis of 1,2-bis(di-adamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene via deprotection of 1,2 bis(di-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene with HBF₄.O(ME)₂.

Tetrafluoroboric acid dimethyl ether complex (5 equivalents, 12.5 mmols, 1.5 cm³) was added slowly via syringe to a cooled (0° C.) stirred solution of 1,2 bis(di-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl benzene (70 cm³ dichloromethane). The solution was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour and then allowed to warm to ambient temperature and stir for a further 12 hours. The reaction mixture was then added to a cooled (0° C.) saturated solution (degassed) NaHCO₃ solution (5*excess NaHCO₃) and stirred vigorously for 50 minutes. The organic phase was then extracted with 2*30 cm³ portions of diethyl ether, and added to the DCM extract. The organic layers were then washed with 2×30 cm³ portions of degassed water and dried over MgSO₄. The volatiles were then removed in-vacuo.

³¹P {¹H} NMR: δ 26.4 ppm (s).

H¹ NMR (CDCl₃, 298K) δ 7.54 ppm (q, Ar—H, J_(HH) 3.4 Hz), 7.0 ppm (q, Ar—H, J_(HH) 3.4 Hz), 3.0 ppm (d, br CH₂) 1.6-2.1 ppm (m, br C₁₀H₁₅).

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 1,2 bis(di-3,5-dimethyladamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene (method 2)

3.1 Di-1-(3,5-dimethyladamantyl)phosphinic chloride was prepared in accordance with the method of Example 2.1 except using 1,3 dimethyladamantane 21.7 g (0.132 mol) instead of adamantane, and AlCl₃ (18.5 gg, 0.14 mol). Yield 23.5 g FW: 409.08. ³¹P NMR: δ: 87 ppm (s).

3.2 Di-1-(3,5-dimethyladamantyl)phosphine was prepared as per Example 2.2 above except using 25.0 g Di-1-(3,5-dimethyladamantyl)phosphinic chloride instead of di-1-adamantyl phosphonic chloride Yield 15.7 g FW: 358.58. ³¹P NMR: δ: 15.7 ppm (s).

3.3 Di-1-(3,5-dimethyladamantyl)phosphine}trihydro boron was prepared as per Example 2.3 above except using 10.0 g Di-1-(3,5-dimethyladamantyl)phosphine instead of di-1-adamantyl phosphine. Yield 9.5 g ³¹P NMR: δ: 40.5 ppm (br).

3.4 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(di-3,5-dimethyladamantyl(borane)methyl)benzene via deprotonation with ^(sec)BuLi and reaction with αα dichloro o-xylene was prepared as per Example 2.4 above except using equimolar amounts of di-3,5-dimethyl adamantyl phosphine trihydroboron instead of di-1-adamantyl phosphine trihydroboron.

3.5 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(di-3,5-dimethyladamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene via deprotection of 1,2 bis(di-3,5-dimethyladamantyl phosphor(borane)methyl)benzene with HBF₄.O(ME)₂ was prepared as per 1,2 bis(di-1-adamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene (Example 2.5) above except by using equimolar amounts of 1,2 bis(di-3,5-dimethyadamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene instead of 1,2 bis(di-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 1,2 bis(di-5-tert-butyladamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene (method 2)

4.1 Di-1-(5-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphinic chloride was prepared as per Di-1-adamantyl phosphinic chloride above except using tert-butyladamantane 25.37 g (0.132 mol) instead of adamantane, and AlCl₃ (18.5 gg, 0.14 mol). Yield 22.6 g FW: 464.98. ³¹P NMR: δ: 87 ppm (s).

4.2.1 Di-1-(5-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphine was prepared as per Di-1-adamantyl phosphine above except using 13.5 g Di-1-(5-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphinic chloride instead of di-1-adamantyl phosphinic chloride. Yield 9.4 g FW: 414.48. ³¹P NMR: δ: 18.62 ppm (s).

4.2.2 Di-1-(5-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphine)trihydro boron was prepared as per Di-1-adamantyl phosphine above except using 10.0 g Di-1-(5-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphine instead of di-1-adamantyl phosphine. Yield 9.5 g ³¹P NMR: δ: 41.6 ppm (br).

4.2.3 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(di-5-tert-butyladamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene via deprotonation with ^(sec)BuLi and reaction with αα dichloro o-xylene was prepared as per 1,2 bis(di-1-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene above except using equimolar amounts of di-1-(5-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphine trihydroboron instead of di-1-adamantyl phosphine trihydroboron.

4.3 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(di-5-tert-butyladamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene via deprotection of 1,2 bis(di-4-tert-butyladamantyl phosphor(borane)methyl)benzene with HBF₄.O(ME)₂ was prepared as per 1,2 bis(di-1-adamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene above except 1,2 bis(di-5-tert-butyladamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene was used instead of 1,2 bis(di-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene in equimolar amounts.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 1,2 bis(1-adamantyl tert-butyl-phosphinomethyl)benzene (method 2)

5.1. 1-adamantylphosphonic acid dichloride. This compound was synthesised according to the method of Olah et al (J. Org. Chem. 1990, 55, 1224-1227).

5.2 1-adamantyl phosphine. LiAlH₄ (3.5 g, 74 mmol) was added over 2 hrs to a cooled solution (0° C.) of 1-adamantylphosphonic acid dichloride (15 g, 59 mmol) in THF (250 cm³). The reaction was then allowed to warm to ambient temperature and was stirred for 20 hrs. The grey suspension was then cooled (0° C.) and HCl (75 cm³, 1M) was slowly added via syringe, to afford a two phase system with some solid present in the lower phase. Concentrated HCl (8 cm³, 11M) was then added to improve the separation of the two layers. The (upper) THF phase was removed via cannula and dried over magnesium sulphate. After filtration via cannula, the volatiles were removed in-vacuo to afford the product.

5.3 (1-adamantyl-tert-butyl phosphine)trihydro boron. nBuLi (20 cm³, 32 mmol 1.6M soln) was added over 1 hour to a cooled solution of 1-adamantyl phosphine (5.0 g 3.0 mmol) in THF (100 cm³). The solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 2 hours. The solution was recooled to 0° C. and tert-butylchloride (2.78 g, 30 mmol) was added and stirring continued for a further 16 hours at room temperature. The material was isolated as the borane adduct by addition of Borane (THF) adduct (30 cm³, 30 mmol) followed by removal of the solvent. The material was isolated as a white solid which was a mixture of isomers.

5.4 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(1-adamantyl-tert-butyl phosphor(borane)methyl)benzene via deprotonation with ^(sec)BuLi and reaction with αα dichloro o-xylene. The synthesis was carried out as per 1,2 bis(di-1-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene above except equimolar amounts of 1-adamantyl-tert-butyl(phosphine)trihydroboron were used instead of the di-1-adamantyl phosphine trihydroboron.

5.5 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(1-adamantyl-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)benzene via deprotection of 1,2 bis(1-adamantyl-tert-butyl phosphor(borane)methyl)benzene with HBF₄.O(ME)₂.As per 1,2 bis(di-adamantylphosphorinomethyl)benzene except using equimolar amounts of 1,2 bis(1-adamantyl-tert-butyl phosphor(borane)methyl)benzene instead of 1,2 bis) (di-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of 1,2 bis(di-1-diamantanephosphinomethyl)benzene

Diamantane=congressane

6.1 Diamantane. This was synthesised according to the method of Tamara et al. Organic Syntheses, CV 6, 378

6.2 Di-1-(diamantane)phosphinic chloride. Prepared as per Di-1-adamantyl phosphinic chloride except using diamantane 20.0 g (0.106 mol) and AlCl₃ (16.0 g, 0.12 mol). Yield 25.5 g FW: 456.5. ³¹P NMR: δ: 87 ppm (s).

6.3 Di-1-(diamantane)phosphine. Prepared as per Di-1-adamantyl phosphine except using 25.0 g Di-1-(diamantane)phosphinic chloride. Yield 14.0 g FW: 406. ³¹P NMR: δ: 16.5 ppm (s).

6.4 Di-1-(diamantane)phosphine}trihydro boron. Prepared as per Di-1-adamantyl phosphine trihydro boron except using 15.0 g Di-1-(diamantane)phosphine. Yield 14.5 g. ³¹P NMR: δ: 42.1 ppm (br).

6.5 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(diamantane phosphor(borane)methyl)benzene via deprotonation with ^(sec)BuLi and reaction with αα dichloro o-xylene. Prepared as per 1,2 bis(di-1-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene except using an equimolar amount of diamantane phosphine trihydroboron instead of di-1-adamantyl phosphine trihydroboron.

6.6 Synthesis of 1,2 bis(diamantanephosphinomethyl)benzene via deprotection of 1,2 bis(diamantane(borane)methyl)benzene with HBF₄.O(ME)₂. Prepared as per 1,2 bis(di-1-adamantylphosphino methyl)benzene except using an equimolar amount of 1,2 bis diamantine phosphor(borane)methyl)benzene instead of 1,2 bis(di-adamantylphosphor(borane)methyl)benzene.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(ditertbutylphosphinomethyl)benzene

The preparation of this ligand was carried out in the manner disclosed in WO 99/47528 in accordance with Example 18.

EXAMPLE 8 Comparative Preparation of 1,3 bis(diadamantylphosphino)propane

Preparation of 1,3-bis-(di-1-adamantylphosphino)propane (2)

8.1 Preparation of (1-Ad)₂PLi

Bu^(n)Li (2.5 M in hexanes, 42.02 cm³, 105.1 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe to a stirred solution of Ad₂PH (10.59 g, 35.0 mmol) in THF (150 cm³). This resulted in a darkening of the solution to yellow and the precipitation of a large quantity of yellow solid, in a mildly exothermic reaction. The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 h. The volatiles were removed in-vacuo, affording a very pale orange solid. The solid was washed with pentane (2×50 cm³) to remove excess Bu^(n)Li, resulting in the isolation of a white powder (washings orange) which was dried in-vacuo. The yield for this step was assumed to be quantitative, on the basis of previous NMR experiments.

8.2 Reaction of 1,3-dibromopropane with 2 equiv (1-Ad)₂PLi

1,3-dibromopropane (degassed, 1.78 cm³, 17.5 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe to a stirred suspension of Ad₂PLi (35.0 mmol, prepared as above) in THF (150 cm³). Initially a yellow solution was formed, then a great deal of white solid crashed out (product). The volatiles were removed in-vacuo and dichloromethane (300 cm³) added via cannula affording a turbid solution. The turbidity was lost on addition of water (degassed, 100 cm³), a two phase system being formed. The lower phase was removed via cannula filtration. The volatiles were removed in-vacuo, affording a white powder, which was washed with pentane (100 cm³), dried and isolated in the glovebox. Yield 6.45 g, 57%. ³¹P NMR: δ=24 ppm, 95+% pure. FW=644.94.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene

n-Butyllithium (Aldrich, 2.5 molar in hexane, 24 ml, 54 mmol) is added to a solution of (dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (Aldrich, 13.13 g, 10.69 ml, 48.97 mmol) in diethyl ether (80 ml) under nitrogen at a temperature of 25° C. and the reaction mixture stirred for 4 hours. The resulting red solution is then cooled to approximately −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath and Eschenmosers salt (ICH₂NMe₂) (Aldrich, 10 g, 54 mmol) is added. The reaction is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight.

The resultant solution is quenched with excess aqueous sodium hydroxide and the resulting product extracted with diethyl ether (3×80 ml) dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered over celite, and volatiles removed in vacuo to yield the crude title compound as a light orange crystalline solid. The crude product is recrystallised from light petrol with cooling to −17° C. and the recrystallised product washed with cold petrol to yield the title compound as a light orange solid (13.2 g, 74%). The compound can be further purified by sublimation to give 8.5 g (52%) of the title compound (mpt 74° C.).

¹H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl₃): δ4.23 (brd, 2H); 4.11-4.10 (t, 1H); 4.04 (s, 5H); 3.43, 3.38, 3.23, 3.18 (AB quartet, 2H); 2.22 (s, 6H).

¹³C NMR (63 MHz; CDCl₃): δ83.81; 70.40; 69.25; 66.84; 57.35; 45.23.

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 63.7%; H, 8.9%; N, 9.5%.

Calculated: C, 64.0%; H, 8.1%; N, 9.4%.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(ditertbutylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

Di-tertbutylphosphine (Aldrich, 0.616 ml, 3.33 mmol) was added to a solution of 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (Example 9, 0.5 g, 1.66 mmol) in anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml) under nitrogen and the resulting mixture is stirred at 80° C. for 72 hours. The anhydrous acetic acid is removed in vacuo at approximately 70° C. to yield the crude title product as an orange/yellow solid. The crude product is recrystallised from ethanol with cooling to −17° C., filtered and the filtrate washed with cold ethanol to yield the title compound as a pale yellow solid (0.365 g, 44%, 84° C.).

¹H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl₃): δ4.4 (2H, d, J=2 Hz); 3.95 (5H, S); 3.75 (1H, t, 2 Hz); 2.8 (2H, dd, 12 Hz, 2 Hz); 2.6 (2H, dd, 12 Hz, 2 Hz); 1.1 (36H, m).

¹³C NMR (63 MHz; CDCl₃): δ86.73 (d, 5.46 Hz); 70.08 (d, 4.41 Hz); 69.4665 (s); 63.75 (s); 31.80 (d, 2 Hz); 31.45 (d, 1.98 Hz); 29.89 (d, 1.88 Hz).

³¹P NMR (101 MHz; CDCl₃): δ15.00 ppm.

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 66.79%; H, 9.57%.

Calculated: C, 66.93%; H, 9.63%.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of 1-hydroxymethyl-2-dimethylaminomethyl ferrocene

n-Butyl lithium (Aldrich, 1.6 molar in diethyl ether, 5.14 ml, 8.24 mmol) is added to a solution of 1-dimethylaminomethyl ferrocene (Aldrich, 1.0 g, 4.12 mmol) in diethyl ether (20 mL) under argon. The reaction is stirred for 3 hours and develops a reddish colour. The solution is then cooled in a dry ice/acetone bath, calcined para-formaldehyde (0.247 g, 2 times excess) added and the resultant mixture stirred overnight at room temperature.

The reaction is then quenched with water, extracted with diethyl ether, dried over MgSO₄, and filtered over celite. The solvent is removed in vacuo to yield crude title compound. The crude product is applied to a neutral alumina column, which is eluted with petrol/diethyl ether (9:1 ratio) to remove the starting material, 1-dimethylaminomethyl ferrocene. The column is then eluted with substantially pure ethyl acetate to elute the title compound. The ethyl acetate is removed in vacuo, to yield the title compound as an orange oil/crystalline mass.

¹H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl₃) δ2.131 (s, 6H), δ2.735 (d, 1H, 12.512 Hz), δ3.853 (d, 1H, 12.512 Hz), δ3.984 (dd, 1H, 2.156 Hz), δ4.035 (s, 5H), δ4.060 (dd, 1H, 2.136 Hz) δ4.071 (d, 1H, 12.207 Hz), δ4.154 (m, 1H), δ4.73 (d, 1H, 12.207 Hz).

¹³C NMR (61 MHz; CDCl₃) δ7.688, δ84.519, δ70.615, δ68.871, δ68.447, δ865.369, δ60.077, δ58.318, δ44.414

COSY 2D ¹H NMR

Partly obscured doublet at 4.071 ppm and its coupling to the doublet at 4.73 ppm confirmed.

Infrared spectra (CHCl₃) (c.a. 0.06 g/0.8 mL)

2953.8 cm⁻¹, 2860.6 cm⁻¹, 2826.0 cm⁻¹, 2783.4 cm⁻¹, 1104.9 cm⁻¹

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(ditertbutylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

Di-tertbutylphosphine (Aldrich, 0.54 ml, 2.93 mmol) is added to a solution of 1-hydroxymethyl-2-dimethylaminomethyl ferrocene (Example 11, 0.2 g, 0.753 mmol) in anhydrous acetic acid (15 ml) and acetic anhydride (0.753 mmol) under argon and the resulting mixture is stirred at 80° C. for 72 hours. The anhydrous acetic acid is removed in vacuo at approximately 70° C. to yield the crude title product as an orange/yellow solid. The crude product is recrystallised from ethanol with cooling to −17° C., filtered and the filtrate washed with cold ethanol to yield the title compound as an orange solid (0.23 g)

¹H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl₃) δ4.351 (d, 2H, 2 Hz), δ4.022 (s, 5H), δ3.827 (t, 1H, 2 Hz), δ2.858 (ddd, 2H, J_(HH) 15.869 Hz, J_(HP1) 3.320 Hz, J_(HP2) 1.831 Hz), δ2.679 (dd, 2H, J_(HH) 15.869 Hz, J_(HP) 2.441 Hz), δ1.166 (d, 18H, 12.817 Hz), δ1.123 (d, 18H, 12.512 Hz)

FTIR (Chloroform, NaCl plates)

1104.1 cm⁻¹, 2863 cm⁻¹, 2896.0 cm⁻¹, 2940.0 cm⁻¹, 2951.8 cm⁻¹

³¹P NMR (101 MHz; CDCl₃): δ15.00 ppm.

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 66.5%; H, 9.6%.

Calculated: C, 66.9%; H, 9.6%.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene

To a stirred solution of 1,2-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl) ferrocene (Example 9, 0.70 g, 2.32 mmol) in diethyl ether (15 cm³) under argon is added 1.2 equivalents n-butyl lithium (Aldrich, 1.75 mL, 1.6M in diethyl ether) and the mixture stirred for three hours to yield a red solution. The reaction mixture is cooled in a dry ice/acetone bath, calcined paraformaldehyde added in 2:1 excess, and the resultant mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture is quenched with water and extracted with diethyl ether. The ethereal extracts are dried over MgSO₄, filtered over celite and the solvent removed in vacuo, to yield the title compound (0.7 g, 2.12 mmol, 91%) as an orange oil., which partially crystallized on cooling.

¹H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl₃) δ 2.133 (s, 6H), δ 2.171 (s, 6H), δ 2.910 (d, 1H, 12.817 Hz), δ 2.998 (d, 1H, 12.512 Hz), δ 3.425 (d, 1H, 12.817 Hz), δ 3.812 (d, 1H, 12.512 Hz), δ 3.962 (s, 5H), δ 3.99 (d, 1H, 12.207 Hz) (partly obscured by large cp-ring peak at δ 3.962), δ 4.068 (d, 1H, δ2.136 Hz), δ 4.125) d, 1H, δ 2.136 Hz), δ 4.747 (d, 1H, 12.207 Hz)

¹³C NMR (60 MHz; CDCl₃) δ44.529, δ45.244, δ55.798, δ57.906, δ60.271, δ67.944, δ68.277, δ69.612, δ84.850, δ88.322

Infrared spectra (CDCl₃/thin film NaCl plates)

3380.6 cm⁻¹ (br), 2955.7 cm⁻¹ (m), 2862.6 cm⁻¹, 2825.9 cm⁻¹ (m), 2774.3 cm⁻¹ (m), 1353.5 cm⁻¹ (m), 1104.9 cm⁻¹ (m), 1038.9 cm⁻¹ (m), 1006.8 cm⁻¹ (s)

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 62.3%; H, 7.8%; N, 8.8%.

Calculated: C, 61.8%; H, 7.9%; N, 8.5%.

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 1,2,3-tris-(ditertbutylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

Di-tert-butylphosphine (Aldrich, 2.60 mL, 13.98 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.24 mL, 2.33 mmol) is added to a solution of 1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (Example 13, 0.70 g, 2.12 mmol) in acetic acid (freshly distilled from acetic anhydride 25 cm³), under argon. The solution is then stirred at 80° C. for 7 days, during which time the solution becomes a dark orange colour. The solvent is then removed in vacuo and recrystallisation effected from refluxing ethanol together with cooling to −17° C. overnight to yield the title compound (0.43 g, 0.7 mmol, 31%) as a yellow/orange powder.

¹H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.12 (dd-pseudo triplet, 36H, 12.1 Hz), δ1.26 (d, 18H, 10.7 Hz), δ2.68 (d, 2H, 17.7 Hz), δ2.95 (s, 2H), δ3.07, (m, 2H), δ4.01 (s, 5H) δ 4.33 (s, 2H)

Infrared spectra (CHCl₃/thin film NaCl plates)

1365.5 cm⁻¹, 1470.3 cm⁻¹, 2357.1 cm⁻¹, 2862.8 cm⁻¹, 2896.7 cm⁻¹, 2939.1 cm⁻¹

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(dicyclohexylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 10 employing dicyclohexylphosphine (Strem of 48 High Street Orwell, Royston, United Kingdom SG8 5QW, 659 mg, 3.33 mmol), 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (0.5 g, 1.66 mmol) and anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml). Yield 0.421 g.

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(di-iso-butylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 10 employing di-iso-butylphosphine (Strem 486 mg, 3.33 mmol), 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (0.5 g, 1.66 mmol) and anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml). Yield 0.372 g.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(dicyclopentylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 10 employing dicyclopentylphosphine (Strem 566 mg, 3.33 mmol), 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (0.5 g, 1.66 mmol) and anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml). Yield 0.432 g.

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(diethylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 10 employing diethylphosphine (Strem 299 mg, 3.33 mmol), 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (0.5 g, 1.66 mmol) and anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml). Yield 0.254 g.

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 1,2-bis(di-isopropylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 10 employing di-iso-propylphosphine (Digital Speciality Chemicals 392 mg, 3.33 mmol), 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (0.5 g, 1.66 mmol) and anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml). Yield 0.262 g.

EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(dimethylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 10 employing dimethylphosphine (Digital Speciality Chemicals, 206 mg, 3.33 mmol), 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (0.5 g, 1.66 mmol) and anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml). Yield 0.285 g.

EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(diadamantylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

Di-adamantylphosphine (prepared according to J. R. Goerlich, R. Schmutzler; Phosphorus Sulphur and Silicon; 1995, 102, 211-215, 20.0 g, 0.066 mol) was added to a solution of 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (Example 9, 10 g, 0.033 mol) in anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml) under nitrogen and the resulting mixture is stirred at 80° C. for 72 hours. The orange yellow precipitate which forms is filtered and dried in vacuo at approximately 70° C. to yield the title compound as an orange/yellow solid. The title compound is insoluble in a range of organic solvents and it is therefore purified by conversion to the bis-methanesulphonate salt by addition of excess methanesulphonic acid to a methanol slurry of the crude product. This resulted in complete dissolution of the product salt which was then isolated by removal of the methanol in vacuo followed by washing with ether and drying to give the title compound as a pale yellow solid (14.0 g, 54%).

¹H NMR (250 MHz; CD₃CN): δ4.57 (2H, d, J=2 Hz); 4.35 (5H, S); 4.27 (1H, t, 2 Hz); 3.34 (4H, br); 2.6 (6H, br); 2.35-2.18 (18H br); 2.16-2.0 (18H, br); 1.92-1.72 (24H, br).

³¹P NMR (101 MHz; CD₃CN): δ26.58 ppm.

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 64.15%; H, 7.88%. Calculated: C, 64.29%; H, 7.94%.

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 1,2 bis(di-1-adamantylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methane sulphonate

The preparation of this ligand was carried out as follows:

22.1 Preparation of (1-Ad)₂P(O)Cl

The di-1-adamantyl phosphine chloride was prepared in accordance with the method of Example 1.1.

22.2 Preparation of (1-Ad)₂PH

The di-1-adamantyl phosphine was prepared in accordance with the method of Example 1.2.

22.3 Preparation of 1,2-bis(di-1-adamantylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure exemplified in Example 21.

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of 1,2-bis(di-1-(3,5-dimethyladamantyl)phosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

23.1 Di-1-(3,5-dimethyladamantyl)phosphinic chloride was prepared in accordance with the method of Example 3.1.

23.2 Di-1-(3,5-dimethyladamantyl)phosphine was prepared in accordance with the method of Example 3.2.

23.3 1,2-bis-(di-1-(3,5-dimethyl-adamantylphosphinomethyl) ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure exemplified in Example 21 except using di-1-2(3,5-dimethyl-adamantyl)phosphine (23.69 g, 0.066 mol) instead of di-adamantylphosphine. Yield 15 g.

EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of 1,2-bis(di-1-(5-tert-butyl-adamantyl)phosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

24.1 Di-1-(5-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphinic chloride was prepared as per Example 4.1 above.

24.2 Di-1-(5-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphine was prepared as per Example 4.2 above.

24.3 1,2-bis(di-1-(4-tert-butyl-adamantyl)phosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure exemplified in Example 21 except using di-1-(4-tert-butyladamantyl)phosphine (27.39 g, 0.066 mol) instead of di-adamantyl phosphine. Yield 14.52 g.

EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(1-adamantyl tert-butyl-phosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

25.1 1-adamantylphosphonic acid dichloride

This compound was synthesised according to the method of Olah et al (J. Org. Chem. 1990, 55, 1224-1227).

25.2 1-adamantyl phosphine

LiAlH₄ (3.5 g, 74 mmol) was added over 2 hours to a cooled solution (0° C.) of 1-adamantylphosphonic acid dichloride (15 g, 59 mmol) in THF (250 cm³). The reaction was then allowed to warm to ambient temperature and was stirred for 20 hours. The grey suspension was then cooled (0° C.) and HCl (75 cm³, 1M) was slowly added via syringe, to afford a two phase system with some solid present in the lower phase. Concentrated HCl (8 cm³, 11M) was then added to improve the separation of the two layers. The (upper) THF phase was removed via cannula and dried over magnesium sulphate. After filtration via cannula, the volatiles were removed in-vacuo to afford the product.

25.3 1-adamantyl tert-butyl phosphine

nBuLi (20 cm³, 32 mmol 1.6M soln) was added over 1 hour to a cooled solution of 1-adamantyl phosphine (5.0 g, 30 mmol) in THF (100 cm³). The solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 2 hours. The solution was recooled to 0° C. and tert-butylchloride (2.78 g, 30 mmol) was added and stirring continued for a further 16 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was quenched with water and the aqueous phase extracted with dichloromethane (2×50 ml). The organic phase was dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated in-vacuo to yield the title compound.

25.4 1,2-bis-(-1-adamantyl tert-butyl-phosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure exemplified in Example 21 except using 1-adamantyl tert-butyl phosphine (14.78 g, 0.066 mol) instead of di-adamantyl phosphine. Yield 9.80 g.

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(di-1-diamantylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

26.1 Diamantane

This was synthesised according to the method of Tamara et al. Organic Syntheses, CV 6, 378.

26.2 Di-1-(diamantane)phosphinic chloride

Prepared as per Di-1-adamantyl phosphinic chloride of Example 1.1 except using diamantane 20.0 g (0.106 mol) and AlCl₃ (16.0 g, 0.12 mol). Yield 25.5 g FW: 456.5. ³¹P NMR: δ: 87 ppm (s).

26.3 Di-1-(diamantane)phosphine

Prepared as per Di-1-adamantyl phosphine of Example 1.2 except using 25.0 g Di-1-(diamantane)phosphinic chloride. Yield 14.0 g FW: 406. ³¹P NMR: δ: 16.5 ppm (s).

26.4 1,2-bis-(di-1-diamantylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate

The title compound was prepared in accordance with the procedure exemplified in Example 21 except using di-1-diamantane phosphine (26.79 g, 0.066 mol) instead of di-adamantyl phosphine. Yield 12.5 g.

EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(di-(1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha-adamantylmethyl))ferrocene

1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phospha-adamantane (obtained from Cytec, 14.0 g, 0.066 mol) was added to a solution of 1,2-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (Example 9, 10 g, 0.033 mol) in anhydrous acetic acid (100 ml) under nitrogen and the resulting mixture is stirred at 80° C. for 72 hours. The anhydrous acetic acid is removed in vacuo at approximately 70° C. to yield the crude title product as an orange/yellow solid. This is washed with hot methanol to give the product as a mixture of isomers as an orange solid. (12.0 g, 58%).

1H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl₃): δ4.25-3.95 (8H, br, m); 3.46 (4H, br); 1.57-2.0 (8H, br, m); 1.43-1.23 (24H, br m).

³¹P NMR (101 MHz; CDCl₃): δ −27.41 (br), −29.01 (s), −33.9 (br) ppm.

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 57.80%; H, 7.35%. Calculated: C, 57.87%; H, 7.40%.

EXAMPLE 28 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene-bis methyl iodide

Methyl iodide (23.28 g, 0.164 mol) is added to a solution of 1,2-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocence (Example 9, 20 g, 0.082 mol) in degassed methanol (100 ml), and the mixture stirred at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours. The resulting precipitate is removed by filtration, washed with ether and dried to yield the title compound (43.0 g).

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 36.8%; H, 5.1%; N, 4.8%.

Calculated: C, 37.0%; H, 5.2%; N, 4.8%.

¹³C NMR (D₂O): δ53.27, δ53.21, δ53.15, δ64.68, δ71.77, δ73.24, δ74.13, δ74.95

EXAMPLE 29 Preparation of 1,2-bis(dihydroxymethylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

Potassium hydroxide (8.52 g, 0.152 mol) is added to a solution of tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (Aldrich, 38.54 g of 80% w/w aqueous solution, 0.162 mol) in degassed methanol (40 ml), and stirred at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere for 1 hour. The resultant mixture is added dropwise to a degassed solution of 1,2-bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene-bis-methyl iodide (Example 28, 19.98 g, 52.2 mmol) in methanol (40 ml) under nitrogen at room temperature with stirring. The resultant mixture is refluxed under nitrogen for 20 hours, and the solvent removed in vacuo to form a red precipitate. Water (30 ml), diethyl ether (85 ml) and triethylamine (35 ml) is added to the precipitate and the solution stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The aqueous layer is removed and re-extracted with diethyl ether (2×30 ml). The combined ethereal extracts are washed with water (3×20 ml) dried over sodium sulphate and filtered. The ether is removed in vacuo to yield the crude title compound (14.33 g, 94% yield) as a microcrystalline orange solid. The crude product is recrystallised from a warm dicholormethane/methanol solution with the addition of light petroleum and cooling to yield the title compound (10.69 g, 70% yield) as yello-orange crystals.

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 48.44%; H, 4.12%; N, 0.0%.

Calculated: C, 48.24%; H, 4.02%; N, 0.0%.

¹H NMR: δ1.75 (s, br), δ2.70 (dd, 2H, J² _(HH) 14.2 Hz, J² _(HP) 6.6 Hz), δ2.85 (dd, 2H, J² _(HH) 14.2 Hz, J² _(HP) 7.9 Hz), δ3.71 (t, 1H, J_(HH) 2.44 Hz), δ3.58 (s, 5H), δ3.98 (d, 2H, J_(HH) 2.40 Hz), 4.06 (m, 8H).

¹H{³¹P} NMR: δ1.75 (s, br), δ2.70 (d, 14.3 Hz), δ2.85 (d, 14.3 Hz), δ4.04 (m, 1H), δ4.06 (s, 8H), δ4.08 (s, 5H), δ4.1 (m, 2H)

¹³C NMR: 523.7 (d, J¹ _(PC) 15.6 Hz), δ63.0 (d, J¹ _(PC) 15.6 Hz), δ66.0 (s), δ67.2 (d, J³ _(PC) 9.2 Hz), δ69.6 (s), δ82.6 (d, J² _(PC) 14.7 Hz)

³¹P NMR: δ−14.7

Infrared spectra (CHCl₃/thin film NaCl plates)

3337.8 cm⁻¹ (st, br), further peaks 1104 cm⁻¹ 2929.0 cm⁻¹, 3603.7 cm⁻¹, 3683.7 cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 30 Preparation of 1,2-bis(diphosphinomethyl)ferrocene

1,2-bis(dihydroxymethylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene (Example 29, 5.45 g, 13.70 mmol) and sodium metabisulfite (5.21 g, 27.4 mmol) is added to a two-phase solvent system consisting of distilled water (60 ml) and light petroleum (60 ml). The mixture is refluxed for 3 hours in air. The resultant mixture is cooled stirred and the aqueous layer removed. The organic layer is washed with distilled water and the organic solvent removed in vacuo to yield the title compound (2.66 g, 70% yield) as an orange crystalline solid.

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 51.65%; H, 5.75%.

Calculated: C, 51.80%; H, 5.76%.

¹H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl₃): δ 2.7-2.8 (m, 4H), δ 3.17 (m, 2H), δ 3.18 (m, 2H), δ 4.04 (t, 1H, J=2.54 Hz), δ 4.09 (d, 5H, J_(HP) 0.4 Hz), δ 4.13 (d, 2H, J=2.54 Hz)

³¹P NMR (101 MHz; CDCl₃): δ130.0 (t, J_(HP) 193.0 Hz)

¹³C NMR (60 MHz; CDCl₃): δ12.9, δ 65.6, δ 67.3, δ 69.4, δ 86.9

¹³C DEPT NMR (CDCl₃): δ 12.9 (CH²), δ 65.6 (CH), δ 67.3 (CH), δ 69.40 (5×CH)

FTIR (Chloroform, NaCl plates): 2298.5 cm⁻¹ (strong)

Mass spectrum: Found m/z: 278.0088; Calculated m/z 278.0077

EXAMPLE 31 Preparation of —(P-(2,2,6,6,-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one))dimethylferroce□,□1,2-bis-ne

2,6-Dimethyl-2,5-heptadiene-4-one (14.6 g, 0.106 mol) is added to 1,2-bis-(diphosphinomethyl)ferrocene (Example 30, 14.7 g, 0.053 mol) and the mixture heated to 120° C. under nitrogen for 20 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled, the crude title compound removed by filtration, washed with pentene (20 ml) and dried in vacuo to yield the title compound as a yellow-orange solid (24.9 g, 85% yield). The title compound was characterised by ³¹P NMR and mass spectrum.

¹H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl₃): d 4.32 (1H, br); 4.08 (5H, br); 4.02 (1H, br); 3.94 (1H br); 2.84 (4H, br); 1.8-2.5 (8H, br); 1.05-1.4 (24H, br).

³¹P NMR (101 MHz; CDCl₃): s 4.15 ppm.

Elemental analysis: Found: C, 64.26%; H, 7.88%.

Calculated: C, 65.03%; H, 7.94%.

EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of 1,2-bis-(di-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha-adamantylmethyl))benzene

The preparation of this ligand was carried out in the manner disclosed in WO-A-03/070370 in accordance with Example 4 therein.

EXAMPLE 33 Preparation of Methyl Propanoate from Ethylene, Carbon Monoxide and Methanol Catalysed by a Compound of the Present Invention

Condition 1 ratio of ligand:palladium=5.2:1, ratio of acid:palladium=160:1 and ratio acid:ligand=30:1

Condition 2 ratio of ligand:palladium=5.2:1, ratio of acid:palladium=480:1 and ratio acid:ligand=90:1

A mechanically stirred autoclave (Hastelloy) of 2 litre capacity was evacuated of air and then charged with a solution of tri(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium (1.44×10⁻⁵ moles), 1,2-bis-(di-tertbutylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene of Example 10, (7.61×10⁻⁵ moles) and methane sulfonic acid (2.30×10⁻³ moles condition 1, 6.90×10⁻³ moles condition 2) in 300 ml of methyl propanoate/methanol (70 wt % methyl propanoate). The autoclave was heated to 100° C. and when at that temperature, ethylene (8×10⁵ Nm⁻²) was added on top of the vapour pressure of the solvents and immediately an equimolar mixture of carbon monoxide and ethylene (2×10⁵ Nm⁻²) added to the system through a pressure regulating valve set to 10×10⁵ Nm⁻² above the solvent vapour pressure. Suitably, the molar ratio of ethylene to carbon monoxide in the reactor is approximately 9:1. The temperature of the reactor was maintained at 100° C. and as the reaction proceeded additional carbon monoxide and ethylene was added (on an equimolar basis) through the pressure regulating Tescom valve. No catalyst precipitation was observed.

Initial reaction rates measured in moles of methyl propanoate (MeP) per mole of palladium per hour and turnover measured in moles of methyl propanoate per mole of palladium were determined for the catalyst. This may be accomplished by an analysis of the amount of gas consumed per unit time (rate) and the total amount of gas consumed during the reaction, assuming ideal gas behaviour and 100% selectivity to methyl propanoate.

Table 1 shows the effect in increasing the relative acid concentration compared to phosphine ligand concentration (and metal concentration) for a batch process on both the maximum initial rate and the turnover number (TON) after 1 hour, wherein initial reaction rates are measured in moles of methyl propanoate (MeP) per mole of palladium per hour and TON is measured as moles of methyl propanoate per mole of palladium. For both TON and maximum initial rate, values are significantly increased passing from condition 1 to condition 2, i.e. when increasing both the acid:palladium and acid:ligand ratios at constant ligand:palladium values.

TABLE 1 Maximum Turnover Initial Rate Number after (moles MeP/ 1 hour (moles mole Pd/hr) MeP/mole Pd) 1,2-bis-(di-tert- 66261 50786 butylphosphinomethyl)benzene - condition 2 1,2-bis-(di-tert- 42103 32397 butylphosphinomethyl)benzene - condition 1 1,2-bis-(di-tert- 94957 62635 butylphosphinomethyl)benzene - condition 2 1,2-bis-(di-tert- 45421 29465 butylphosphinomethyl)benzene - condition 1 l,2-bis-(di-(1,3,5,7- 55799 51997 tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha- adamantylmethyl))ferrocene - condition 2 1,2-bis-(di-(1,3,5,7- 8490 4814 tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha- adamantylmethyl))ferrocene - standard -(P-(2,2,6,6,- 29839 24270 tetramethylphosphinan-4- one))dimethylferroce□□□1,2- bis-ne - condition 2 -(P-(2,2,6,6,- 21591 17676 tetramethylphosphinan-4- one))dimethylferroce□□□1,2- bis-ne - condition 1 1,2-bis-(di-(1,3,5,7- 29839 24270 tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha- adamantylmethyl))benzene - condition 2 1,2-bis-(di-(1,3,5,7- 12041 11444 tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha- adamantylmethyl))benzene - condition 1 1,2-bis-(di-(1,3,5,7- 20177 16610 tetramethyl-6,9,10-trioxa-2-phospha- adamantylmethyl))benzene - condition 2 1,2-bis(di-1- 67599 68141 adamantylphosphinomethyl) ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate - condition 2 1,2-bis(di-1- 41167 33798 adamantylphosphinomethyl) ferrocene-bis-methanesulphonate - condition 1

EXAMPLE 34

Pd(OAc)₂(22 mg, 0.1 mmol) and the respective phosphine ligand (0.5 mmol) were weighed out in the inert atmosphere glove box into 500 mL 3-neck round bottom flasks. On removal, 300 mL of degassed MeOH were added and the mixture stirred for 1 hour. To the solution methanesulphonic acid (640 μl, 10 mmol) was added. The weight of the catalyst solution was taken. The autoclave was charged with the solution and heated to 100 C. with stirring (3.0 barg vapour pressure). The reaction was started by the introduction of CO/ethylene (1:1) gaseous mixture to the autoclave. The total pressure of the autoclave was controlled by a TESCOM (9.8 barg). This resulted in a 9:1 ratio of ethylene to CO. The temperature and pressure were maintained 3 hours during which period these values were recorded.

The gases were isolated and the unit cooled to room temperature. The depressurised unit was emptied and the final weight of the solution taken.

Ligand 1=1,2-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)benzene Ligand 2=1,2-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene Ligand 3=1,2-bis(diadamantylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene Ligand 4=1,2-bis(diphospha-adamantylphosphinomethyl)ferrocene Ligand 5=1,3-bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)2-methylene-propane (comparative), prepared as in WO-A-03/040159 (Example 1 therein).

The results are shown in the tables below.

TABLE 2 Ratio Wt Gain Avg. Wt Ligand Pd:Lig:Acid (g) Gain (g) 1 1:5:100 268.65 257.304 1 1:5:100 244.47 1 1:5:100 258.98 1 1:5:100 252.13 1 1:5:100 262.29

TABLE 3 Ratio Wt Gain Avg. Wt. Ligand Pd:Lig:Acid (g) Gain (g) 2 1:5:100 302.64 300.9 2 1:5:100 306.84 2 1:5:100 293.4 2 1:5:100 303.09 2 1:5:100 298.54

TABLE 4 Ratio Wt gain Avg Wt Ligand Pd:Lig:Acid (g) Gain (g) 3 1:5:100 364.97 347.54 3 1:5:100 340.18 3 1:5:100 345.15 3 1:5:100 339.88

TABLE 5 Ratio Wt gain Avg Wt Ligand Pd:Lig:Acid (g) Gain (g) 4 1:5:25  126.31 Av 1:5:300 4 1:5:100 165.21 249.67 4 1:5:100 189.83 4 1:5:300 221.61 4 1:5:300 261.28 4 1:5:300 281.81 4 1:5:300 233.99

TABLE 6 Wt gain Ratio Run No. Ligand (g) Pd:Lig:Acid 1  5 33.3  1:5:100 2  5 83.16  1:1:100 3^(a) 5 165.1 1:1:4 4^(a) 5 235.97 1:1:4 5^(a) 5 82.53 1:6:4 ^(a)run at 3 × palladium concentration {67.3 mg Pd(OAc)₂}

For the ligand 1,3-bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)2-methylene-propane (ligand 5) additional ligand with or without excess acid results in a drop in catalyst performance. The optimum conditions of low ligand and acid, e.g. Run Nos. 3 and 4, result in the highest catalyst productivity under the conditions studied. Addition of excess ligand at high acid ratio as in Run No. 1 results in a significant drop in performance, as does addition of excess ligand at low acid ratios.

The following two tables contain data for the ligand 1,2-Bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)benzene. The data was collected at 80 C. hence the rates and turnover numbers are lower than the data we have already included. However, the data shows that at constant acid:ligand^(b) levels, an increase in ligand:Pd ratio provides large increases in initial rate and TON values. This data also used the preformed catalyst [(L-L)Pd(dba) (for details see below) and adds the ligand excess as the protonated salt. The experimental detail is provided below.

TABLE 7 Ratio Ratio Initial TON after Ligand Pd:Lig:Acid Acid:Ligand^(b) rate 4 hours 1 1:5:36 10.9 5000 12000 1 1:5:72 20 17000 25000 1  1:5:143 37 22000 30000 ^(b)in this ratio the “acid” includes both the acid from the protonated phosphine ligand together with the additional acid added (i.e., “free” acid) and the ligand is simply the protonated phosphine ligand.

TABLE 8 Ratio Ratio Initial TON after Ligand Pd:Lig:Acid Acid:Ligand^(b) rate 4 hours 1 1:10:90  10.9 22000 42000 1 1:10:182 20 33000 52000 1 1:10:352 37 41500 71000

The number of moles of palladium is equal to the number of moles of L₂Pd(dba).

The work described in these examples was carried out in 2 L capacity autoclaves. In each test 10 mg of L₂Pd(dba) catalyst and 32 mg (4 equivalents) or 72 mg (9 equivalents) of protonated phosphine were added to the preparation flask in a nitrogen purged glove box. 175 mL of azeotrope product consisting of 50:50 wt % methanol and methyl propanoate and 125 mL of methyl propanoate were then degassed and added to the flask to provide a reaction solution which was close to 70 wt % methyl propanoate. After addition of the required quantity of methanesulphonic acid the solution was transferred to the evacuated autoclave and heated to 80° C. in vacuo. During this period and at all subsequent times the autoclave was stirred at ˜1000 r.p.m. When this temperature had been reached the total pressure of the system was increased to 9 bar (from the vapour pressure baseline of ˜1 bar) by the addition of ethylene and then topped up with 2 bar of 1:1 C₂H₄/CO such that the total pressure was ˜11 bar and the headspace C₂H₄/CO ratio was 9:1. After this time only the 1:1 gas was fed to the system at the rate which was required to hold the pressure within the system constant. Reaction rates and catalyst TONs were calculated from the rate of removal of gas from the feed reservoir assuming ideal gas behaviour and 100% selectivity for methyl propanoate formation.

Preparation of 1,2-bis(di-1-adamantylphosphinomethyl)benzene palladium (dba)

THF (100 cm³) was added to a combination of ligand (2.05 g, 2.90 mmol) and palladium dba (1.61 g, 2.90 mmol [Pd]) affording a deep red-orange turbid solution. The reaction was stirred for 3 h. The reaction was filtered via cannula, yielding a deep red-orange filtrate and a small quantity of [Pd] residue. The volatiles were removed in-vacuo affording a deep red powdery solid. Pentane (50 cm³) was added via cannula and attrition performed with a spatula, resulting in an orange powder separating out. The amber pentane washings were removed via cannula filtration, and the solid washed with Et₂O at −10° C. (3×50 cm³). The resultant orange powder was dried in-vacuo and isolated in the glovebox. Yield 2.68 g, 88%. ³¹P NMR: δ=46, 42 ppm (1:1 ratio), essentially phosphorus pure. FW=1047.73.

Preparation of 1,3-bis-(di-1-adamantylphosphino)propane palladium (dba)

As above, except using ligand (1.96 g, 3.04 mmol) and palladium dba (1.69 g, 3.04 mmol [Pd]) in THF (70 cm³). After 3 h, the deep red-orange solution was fairly turbid in appearance; an additional 50 cm³ THF was added to further dissolve the product. The reaction was worked-up as above, except the Et₂O washing was performed at ambient temperature. The solid was isolated in the glovebox as an orange powder. Yield 2.08 g, 69%. 31P NMR: δ=42, 38 ppm (1:1 ratio, noisy). FW=985.66.

Also see “Studies on the Palladium Catalysed Methoxy-carbonylation of Ethene”, thesis submitted to the University of Durham by G. R. Eastham (1998), for details on the preparation of L₂Pd(dba) complexes.

EXAMPLE 35 Preparation of Methyl Propanoate from Ethylene, Carbon Monoxide and Methanol Catalysed by a Compound of the Present Invention

The continuous process exemplified involved the reaction of purified streams of carbon monoxide, ethylene and methanol in the liquid phase, in the presence of a catalyst system, to generate the desired product, methyl propanoate.

The reaction was carried out at 100° C. and at 12 barg pressure in the reactor vessel.

The catalyst system was made up of three components, being a palladium salt, a phosphine ligand and an acid. The three catalyst components, when combined together and dissolved in the reaction mixture, constitute the reaction catalyst or catalyst system, a homogeneous catalyst, which converted dissolved reactants to the product methyl propanoate in the liquid phase.

During continuous operation, the catalyst decomposed at a slow but steady rate, and was replaced by adding fresh catalyst, or the rate of generation of the product, methyl propanoate reduces.

The reactor vessel was fitted with an agitator, and also a means of re-circulating the unreacted gas that collected in the upper headspace area of the reactor. The unreacted gas from the reactor vessel headspace, which was made up of a mixture of ethylene and carbon monoxide, was returned continuously to the reactor via an entry pipe at the base, such that the gas passed up through the reaction mixture continuously.

Upon entering into the reactor vessel the gas was dispersed by the agitator into fine bubbles. In this way the ethylene and carbon monoxide were dissolved in the reaction mix.

Fresh ethylene and carbon monoxide gases were added to the re-circulating gas to make up for the amount of the two gases that have been used up by the reaction. Fresh methanol was also added continuously to the reactor vessel, in order to replace the methanol that has been used up in the reaction.

The reactor vessel held the bulk liquid reaction mixture, along with the three components of the homogeneous catalyst, being a palladium salt, a phhosphine ligand, and a sulphonic acid.

In order to recover the product methyl propanoate, a stream of reaction mixture was passed continuously out of the reactor and into the distillation column.

The distillation column, being a single stage ‘flash’ type distillation column, provided a means of separating a fraction of the methyl propanoate and methanol components of the reaction mixture from the non-volatile dissolved catalyst components. This was achieved by vaporising a fraction of the reaction mixture as it passed through the flash column. The part of the reaction mixture which remained as liquid after passing through the flash column, and which still contained useful catalyst components, was returned to the reactor vessel so that the catalyst components could take part in the on-going reaction.

If the methyl propanoate product was required free of methanol, a second distillation column was required. In this case, the vapour stream from the flash column, which is a mixture of methyl propanoate and methanol was passed into the second distillation column, where the pure methyl propanoate was generated as the heavier product, and taken off from the base of the column. A low boiling mixture of methanol and methyl propanoate was generated as the light product, and was removed continuously from the top of the MeP purification column. In order to utilise the methanol as efficiently as possible in the process, the low boiling mixture of methanol and methyl propanoate was returned continuously to the reactor vessel.

After start up of the continuous reactor unit, when the desired rate of generation of methyl propanoate had been achieved, a process of gradual reduction of the feed rates of the catalyst components was undertaken.

In order to sustain the rate of generation of methyl propanoate it was necessary to continuously replace the palladium catalyst component which was lost to decomposition with fresh palladium at a rate which balanced the rate of loss.

This led to the situation where the standing concentrations of catalyst components became constant for a given rate of generation of methyl propanoate, and just able to sustain flow sheet reaction rate, as indicated by constant concentrations of carbon monoxide and ethylene in the headspace area of the reactor vessel. This was called the balance point, because under these conditions the rate of palladium decomposition was balanced exactly by the rate of addition of fresh palladium.

From the rate of addition of fresh palladium catalyst component under balance point conditions, the palladium turnover number (TON) was calculated. This is defined as the number of mol of methyl propanoate generated per hour, for each mol of palladium consumed by the decomposition process per hour.

Upon reaching a steady rate at a pre-determined set of control conditions, the instantaneous values of all of the variables were recorded, and used as representative data to show the performance of the process under the conditions in use at the time.

To gather data on the effect of levels of phosphine ligand and acid present in the reaction mixture on palladium turnover number, all variables were held constant except the background levels of ligand and acid in the reaction mixture. These levels were changed by making small additions of these compounds to the reaction vessel via a dedicated tank and pumping system. The additions were then followed by careful adjustment of the catalyst solution feed rate to re-establish the balance position.

The experimental design was such that after collecting each new set of balance point data, the system was returned to a previous set of conditions to check for any drifting of performance before moving on to the next set of experimental conditions.

In this way, comparative sets of results were drawn up which showed clearly the changes to catalyst stability that were caused by the variations in the background levels of phosphine ligand and acid levels.

The amount of palladium in the feed to the reactor is critical to calculation of turnover number results. Assurance on the rate of fresh catalyst being fed to the system was provided by analysis of each batch of catalyst prior to transfer to the catalyst feed tanks for palladium content. Further assurance was gained by determination of the actual feed rate of catalyst from timing of the fall in the level in a burette, which is part of the catalyst feed system.

Table 9 shows the effect on palladium turnover number (TON) when increasing the acid:ligand ratio and the ligand:metal ratio.

In this Example, the acid used was methanesulphonic acid, the bidentate phosphine ligand was 1,2-bis-(ditertbutylphosphinomethyl)benzene, and the palladium compound was tri(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium.

TABLE 9 ligand:Pd acid:ligand Free acid in Turnover Number mol ratio mol ratio reactor (ppm) (moles MeP/moles Pd) 6.29 9.93 676 2.02 × 10⁶ 10.33 13.38 988 3.30 × 10⁶ 13.49 21.73 1682 3.41 × 10⁶ 17.16 34.65 2834 3.42 × 10⁶ 17.16 7.40 837 5.00 × 10⁶

Further trends are seen in FIG. 1-3 of the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 shows TON versus acid:ligand mol ratio. Clearly, as the acid:ligand ratio increases above about 10, there is a large increase in TON for this particular catalyst system.

FIG. 2 shows TON versus amount of methanesulphonic acid present free in the reactor. Clearly, as the level of acid increases, there is a large increase in TON for this particular catalyst system.

FIG. 3 shows Pd amount in solution versus amount of methanesulphonic acid. Clearly, as the level of acid increases, there is a decrease in the amount of Pd in solution for this particular catalyst system, whilst the reaction rate remains constant. Therefore, working at these elevated acid levels, reaction rates can be maintained even as the palladium levels decrease. The advantages in view of the relative cost of the palladium component of the catalyst system is clear.

Although some preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 

1-37. (canceled)
 38. A process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and a hydroxyl group containing compound in the presence of a catalyst system, which system is obtained by combining: a) a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB or a compound thereof, b) a bidentate phosphine, arsine, or stibine ligand, and c) an acid, wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand.
 39. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein the ratio of said ligand to said metal is in the range 5:1 to 750:1.
 40. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein the ratio of said ligand to said metal is in the range 10:1 to 500:1.
 41. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein the ratio of said ligand to said metal is in the range 20:1 to 40:1.
 42. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein the ratio of said acid to said ligand is in the range 20:1 to 40:1.
 43. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein the molar ratio of said acid to said metal is in the range 10:1 to 75000:1.
 44. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein the molar ratio of said acid to said metal is in the range 100:1 to 25000:1.
 45. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein the molar ratio of said acid to said metal is in the range 200:1 to 400:1.
 46. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein said ligand is a bidentate phosphine ligand.
 47. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein said ligand is of general formula (I)

wherein: Ar is a bridging group comprising an optionally substituted aryl moiety to which the phosphorus atoms are linked on available adjacent carbon atoms; A and K each independently represent lower alkylene; K, D, E and Z are substituents of the aryl moiety (Ar) and each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, C(S)R²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷, C(O)SR²⁷, or -J-Q³(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵)CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸) where J represents lower alkylene; or two adjacent groups selected from K, Z, D and E together with the carbon atoms of the aryl ring to which they are attached form a further phenyl ring, which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²⁵R²⁶, C(S)R₂₅R²⁶, SR²⁷ or C(O)SR²⁷; R¹ to R¹⁸ each independently represent lower alkyl, aryl, Het or at least one (CR^(x)R^(y)R^(z)) group attached to Q¹, Q² and/or Q³, i.e. CR¹R²R³, CR⁴R⁵R⁶, CR⁷R⁸R⁹, CR¹⁰R¹¹R¹², CR¹³R¹⁴R¹⁵, or CR¹⁶R¹⁷R¹⁸, may instead be represented by the group (Ad) wherein: Ad each independently represents an optionally substituted adamantyl or congressyl radical bonded to the phosphorus atom via any one of its tertiary carbon atoms, the said optional substitution being by one or more substituents selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, OR¹⁹, OC(O)R²⁰, C(O)R²¹, C(O)OR²², NR²³R²⁴, C(O)NR²³R²⁶, C(S)R²⁵R²⁶, SR²⁷ or C(O)SR²⁷; or if both (CR^(x)R^(y)R^(z)) groups attached to either or both Q¹ and/or Q², or Q³ (if present) together with either Q¹ or Q² (or Q³) as appropriate, firm an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or form a ring system of formula

wherein R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁴ each independently represents hydrogen, lower alkyl or aryl; R⁵⁰ to R⁵³, when present, each independently represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het; and Y represents oxygen, sulfur or N—R⁵⁵; and R⁵⁵, when present, represents hydrogen, lower alkyl or aryl; R¹⁹ to R²⁷ each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het; and Q¹, Q² and Q³ (when present) each independently represent phosphorus, arsenic or antimony and in the latter two cases references to phosphorus above are amended accordingly.
 48. A process as claimed in claim 47 wherein R¹ to R¹⁸ each independently represent lower alkyl, aryl, or Het.
 49. A process as claimed in claim 47 wherein said ligand is represented as: (Ad)_(S)(CR⁷R⁸R⁹)_(T)Q²-A-(K,D)Ar(E,Z)—B-Q¹(Ad)_(u)(CR¹R²R³)_(v), wherein K, D, E and Z may represent -J-Q³(Ad)_(w)(CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵)_(x), wherein S and U are 0, 1 or 2 provided that S+U≧1; wherein T and V are 0, 1 or 2 provided that T+V≦3; and wherein W and X are 0, 1 or
 2. 50. A process as claimed in claim 38 wherein said ligand is of general formula (II):

wherein: A₁ and A₂, and A₃, A₄ and A₅ (when present), each independently represent lower alkylene; K¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)C)R²², —N(R²³)R²⁴, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶, —C(S)(R²⁷)R²⁸, —SR²⁹, —C(O)SR³⁰, —CF₃ or -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶; D¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)OR²², —N(R²³)R²⁴, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶, —C(S)(R²⁷)R²⁸, —SR²⁹, —C(O)SR³⁰, —CF₃ or -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸; E¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, Het, halo, cyano, nitro, —OR¹⁹, —OC(O)R²⁰, —C(O)R²¹, —C(O)OR²², —N(R²³)R²⁴, —C(O)N(R²⁵)R²⁶, —C(S)(R²⁷)R²⁸, —SR²⁹, —C(O)SR³⁰, —CF₃ or -A₅-Q₅(X⁹)X¹⁰; or both D¹ and E¹ together with the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadientyl ring to which they are attached form an optionally substituted phenyl ring: X¹ represents CR¹(R²)(R³), congressyl or adamantyl, X² represents CR⁴(R⁵)(R⁶), congressyl of adamantyl, or X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X¹ and X² together with Q² to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIa

X³ represents CR⁷(R⁸)(R⁹), congressyl or adamantyl, X⁴ represents CR¹⁰(R¹¹)(R¹²), congressyl or adamantyl, or X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X³ and X⁴ together with Q¹ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIb

X⁵ represents CR¹³(R¹⁴)(R¹⁵), congressyl or adamantyl, X⁶ represents CR¹⁶(R¹⁷)(R¹⁸), congressyl or adamantyl, or X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³ to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X⁵ and X⁶ together with Q³ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIc

X⁷ represents CR³¹(R³²)(R³³), congressyl or adamantyl, X⁸ represents CR³⁴(R³⁵)(R³⁶), congressyl or adamantyl, or X⁷ and X⁸ together with Q⁴ to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X⁷ and X⁸ together with Q⁴ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIId

X⁹ represents CR³⁷(R³⁸), congressyl or adamantyl, X¹⁰ represents CR⁴⁰(R⁴¹(R⁴²), congressyl or adamantyl, or X⁹ and X¹⁰ together with Q⁵ to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1.{3,7}]decyl group or derivative thereof, or X⁹ and X¹⁰ together with Q⁵ to which they are attached form a ring system of formula IIIe

Q¹ and Q², and Q³, Q⁴ and Q⁵ (when present), each independently represent phosphorus, arsenic or antimony; M represents a Group VIB or VIIIB metal or metal cation thereof; L₁ represents an optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or aryl group; L₂ represents one or more ligands each of which are independently selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, alkylaryl, halo, CO, P(R⁴³)(R⁴⁴)R⁴⁵ or N(R⁴⁶)(R⁴⁷)R⁴⁸; R¹ to R¹⁸ and R³¹ to R⁴², when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, halo or Het; R¹⁹ to R³⁰ and R⁴³ to R⁴⁸ when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het; R⁴⁹, R⁵⁴ and R⁵⁵, when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl or aryl; R⁵⁰ to R⁵³, when present, each independently represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or Het; Y¹, Y², Y³, Y⁴, and Y⁵, when present, each independently represent oxygen, sulfur or N—R⁵⁵; n=0 or 1; and m=0 to 5; provided that when n=1 then m equals 0, and when n equals 0 then m does not equal
 0. 51. A process as claimed in claim 50 wherein if both K¹ represents -A₃-Q³(X⁵)X⁶ and E¹ represents -A₅-Q⁵(X⁹)X¹⁰, then D¹ represents -A₄-Q⁴(X⁷)X⁸.
 52. A process as claimed in claim 47 or 50, wherein adamantyl represents unsubstituted adamantyl or adamantyl substituted with one or more unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl substituents, or a combination thereof.
 53. A process as claimed in claim 47 or 50, wherein 2-phospha-adamantyl represents unsubstituted 2-phospha-adamantyl or 2-phospha-adamantyl substituted with one or more unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl substituents, or a combination thereof.
 54. A process as claimed in claim 47 or 50, wherein 2-phospha-adamantyl includes one or more oxygen atoms in the 2-phospha-adamantyl skeleton.
 55. A process as claimed in claim 47 or 50, wherein congressyl represents unsubstituted congressyl.
 56. A process according to claim 38 wherein the metal or compound thereof is palladium.
 57. A process according to claim 56 wherein the palladium is in the metal form.
 58. A process according to claim 38, wherein the catalyst system includes in a liquid reaction medium a polymeric dispersant dissolved in a liquid carrier, said polymeric dispersant being capable of stabilising a colloidal suspension of particles of the Group VI or VIIIB metal or metal compound of the catalyst system within the liquid carrier.
 59. A press according to claim 38, wherein the carbonylation of ethene is performed in one or more aprotic solvents.
 60. A process according to claim 38, herein suitable ethylenically unsaturated compounds is selected from a group consisting of ethene, propene, hexene, vinyl compounds such as vinyl acetates, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, undecene, dodecene, and unsaturated compounds up to C₃₀, i.e. having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms, which may be linear or branched, cyclic or uncyclic or part cyclic and in which the double bond may take any suitable position in the carbon chain and which includes all stereoisomers thereof.
 61. A process according to claim 38, wherein Q¹, Q² and Q³ (when present) represents phosphorus. 